In the aftermath of the murder of Charlie Kirk last week--and no, you won't be getting a hot take from me on that--I've seen frequently circulating an appeal to "shared values." This has particularly come in reference to what educators should or have posted online.
Sometimes these "shared values" have been listed, either in what is released or as part of larger mission or vision statements.
We don't, in Massachusetts, actually get to pick and choose our foundational shared values, though, because the very creation of public education in Massachusetts in the state constitution also creates the values:
to countenance and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public and private charity, industry and frugality, honesty and punctuality in their dealings; sincerity, good humor, and all social affections, and generous sentiments among the people
Does that sound like what you've been hearing?
The real kicker, though, is the opening of the passage, the reason it's in the state constitution at all:
We have public education at all for preservation of our rights and liberties. That is the whole reason right there.
It would behoove us to examine if the "shared values" being appealed to or referenced are in fact the values we are required to share in public education in Massachusetts.
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