Relationships, Institutional, and Personal
Back in 1975, CSW, with the leadership of the family of Michael H. Feldman, Class of 1967, began the annual practice of Law Day, a day set aside to explore various viewpoints on important legal and social issues of the day, creating opportunities for student discussion and debate. The day was created to serve as a permanent memorial to Michael H. Feldman, a young, socially conscious, highly motivated CSW alum who — before his untimely passing in 1975 — had planned to use his legal training representing individuals who could not afford their own legal defense.
Law Day issues covered included things like affirmative action, terrorism, and abortion rights. As you can see, these topics remain relevant today. In 2009, as CSW began to establish a deeper commitment to social justice, I approached the Feldman family to ask if they would be willing to rename this day to Social Justice Day. They agreed, because as a family they are devoted to such issues, and they know that this is precisely the type of event Michael would have wanted to dedicate his time and energy to, were he still with us today.
Nancy Taxin and David Feldman, sister and cousin of Michael, have continued their relationship with the school through all of these years. Shirley, Michael’s mother, and Judy ’71, Michael’s sister, both passed away in recent years, sadly. But Michael’s legacy also lives on through Nancy’s son, Michael, and his wife, Denise, who are regular attendees at Social Justice Day each year.
Through the powerful relationship with the extended Feldman family, we have felt validated as an institution. So this past week, when students Leena ’21, Rayne ’21, and Orly ’19 took to the podium and introduced the topic of the day — “Equity in Education” — they were able to move this important relationship forward while championing a program, and a cause, that is now fully integrated into our school. Together, Michael H. Feldman ’67 Social Justice Day and Diversity Day (another CSW mainstay), serve as guideposts for us, highlighting our direction forward, and leading us through collective and important learning.
Thank you to the Feldman Family, and to all of our student leaders and teachers who have kept this energy bubbling and who have ensured our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is alive and strong.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.