Acknowledging the importance of integrity is a central part of being a student at Choate. The honor code, displayed in every classroom, guides students’ academic, extracurricular, and personal affairs. Yet students do face moral dilemmas and make wrong decisions from time to time. The Choate Judicial Committee exists to ensure that there are open hearings and meaningful discussions before consequences are made for those who break the rules. On Tuesday, April 3, students gathered by form to hear the Judicial Committee candidates’ speeches, and later that evening, it was officially announced that these eight students — Will Flamm ’21, India Lacey ’21, Kate Spencer ’20, Henry Susser ’20, Sabastian Chacon ’19, Will Kanders ’19, Sophie Mars ’19 and Charlie Yockey ’19 — will be next year’s Judicial Committee Representatives.
With the Judicial Committee being so crucial to the school, the petition process is quite complex. Mr. Todd Currie, the adviser of the group, explained the process, which requires students to have conversations with the dean, four members of the current committee, including the chair or the vice chair, and himself. Thereafter, they compose their speeches. “The members of the committee make sure that the students understand what they are potentially asking to be a part of. The whole focus is very much on what service on the committee means and the serious nature about it,” Mr. Currie explained.
Mr. Currie also commented that there was a large number of third formers applying for the position. He stated, “It is both not surprising and good that third formers are often trying to find a way to contribute. For many people this is an interesting and appealing way, and I’m hopeful that this helps the student body make wise decisions.”
Flamm mentioned that he feels proud that he was elected and will be able to serve on the Judicial Committee, a group he always looked up to. Still, he recognizes the responsibilities that he will take on. “I don’t exactly know what to expect yet, but I do know that it will be a great experience,” commented Flamm.
When asked why he decided to run, Chacon explained, “I think my personality is reflected in the Judicial Committee. I really want to make sure that everybody has an equal representation and that every voice can be heard.” He added, “What’s important to the Judicial Committee is its discussion. In hearings, we start with what happened and try to know the students’ perspectives first. It’s really powerful to look into students’ lives like that and help them grow as a person.”
Despite being such a major group at Choate, the Judicial Committee’s goal is simple: to have the least number of hearings as possible. “The Judicial Committee is not about making changes. We simply advise, and the Judicial Committee is happiest when it is not having any meetings.” Mr. Currie stated. “But a more realistic goal is to have a group that can communicate effectively and make the best recommendations possible. We are here to defend the community’s standards, and that’s our only agenda — that does not change.”
