ST.

MARKS SCHOOL OF TEXAS

November 25, 2016

On Friday, November 18th in our annual Thanksgiving message to alumni,

parents, and faculty, we referenced recent news stories that connect St. Marks to ideas
expressed by one of our graduates that conflict directly with our core values and
principles. Just one day later, video footage emerged of this alumnus leading a white
nationalist meeting in Washington, D.C., bringing even greater attention to these hateful,
divisive, racist, and anti-Semitic views. This has been deeply troubling and terribly
upsetting to our whole school community. At St. Marks, we reject racism and bigotry in
all its forms and expressions. Our mission, values, and programs stand in direct
opposition to these vulgar ideas. In light of such comments, our mission to develop boys
of strong character, compassion, empathy, and courage has increasing relevance and
importance.
We are proud that many of our graduates, parents, students, and other community
members are expressing their outrage and disgust toward these ideas; while at the same
time, they are demonstrating support for the school they know and love. One of the great
hallmarks of St. Mark's School of Texas is that we treat one another with great care and
respect, honoring our important differences while at the same time focusing on the
common values and principles that bind us together. We remain deeply committed to
including and valuing all students of different backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs, and
experiences, and our commitment to those ideals is paramount and immutable.
Thank you for your support.

David W. Dini
Eugene McDermott Headmaster