From failing a test to struggling friendships, conflicts can often arise between anyone, especially between developing teenagers. However, a new committee at Emerson is dedicated to facing this problem and helping students and teachers resolve any issues. Mav Fairness, also known as the Fairness Committee, is made up of students from all grades who come together to solve social conflict that is brought from all over the school.
Michael Herman, the debate and economics teacher, acts as the founder for the group and has always been an advocate for the cause, bringing the committee from his old school to Emerson. He believes that this organization paves the way for students to help each other, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and independence among the Maverick community.
“The Mav Fairness Committee is a student-led committee with students who help resolve conflicts between students, between students and teachers and any combination thereof,” Herman said.
Problems that may come to Fairness can vary from school problems to social problems, like friendships.
“Some problems could be bullying. Some problems could be relationship issues…,” said Herman. “We’ve had situations where students committed plagiarism. All different kids who were ready to fight and it’s because they didn’t meet the other child’s student’s point of view. And sometimes it helps prevent conflict.”
In the spring, teachers recommended students to be part of the Fairness Committee.
“I think they look for a variety of things, [including] the three areas that Emerson focuses on: Being bold, curious and first,” Herman said. “They also look for students who have shown leadership qualities and … students who care about other students. Empathy is very important,” said Herman.
Savannah Miraglia, 10, was recommended to be in Fairness by one of her teachers. After she was brought into the group, she developed ideas on how to improve the current solutions in schools.
“We saw a need in this school that regular just straight up detention wouldn’t quite fix,” Miraglia said. “[It] needed to be more so a discussion and a regulation that needed to be fixed between people.”
The group does not just help others learn, but it teaches its own members. This allows everyone to communicate and learn social skills like proper communication that may not be present in an ordinary academic based class.
“I would say that my social strengths have improved because I am learning … how to deal with conflict and the right ways to go about talking to others when in a serious situation,” Miraglia said.
Fairness offers students the opportunity to share their kindness with others and expand their thoughts outside of a closed group. New ideas are able to be acted on and relied on by students in need.
“I am good with others just ‘cause I do my best to try to be kind to them no matter if they were the one who hurt somebody or if they are the one hurt. I think that kindness is a very big thing that makes me be able to interact with others,” Miraglia said.
The Maverick Fairness Committee is not just a group of people solving others’ problems, but a foundation to teach others about social construct. Whether resolving a disagreement or helping decide further resolution, Fairness students are taking the lead at helping others at Emerson High School!
