How to Respond to Flashpoints on Campus

Heads of school are being asked to respond to incivility in the classroom and events off campus. EAB recommends that schools prepare for flashpoints as part of their risk mitigation practices, create structures to consistently respond and prepare for risk, and that they use flashpoints as learning opportunities. Review these three key areas to get started.

Flashpoints are the new normal—heads of school are being asked to respond to incivility in the classroom and events off campus. Flashpoints come from many different actors (e.g., schools themselves, third-party organizations or activists, and faculty, staff, or students) and span a wide range of issues.

Underpreparing for or mismanaging a response carries significant consequences for advancement and enrollment at independent schools. Left unchecked or poorly addressed, flashpoints negatively impact the student experience, overwhelm staff and resources, and ultimately affect a school’s reputation and ability to make progress on key initiatives.

EAB recommends that schools prepare for flashpoints as part of their risk mitigation practices, create structures to consistently respond and prepare for risk, and that they use flashpoints as learning opportunities. Review these three key areas to get started.

This resource is part of the Promote a Culture of Civility on Independent School Campuses Roadmap. Access the Roadmap for stepwise guidance with additional tools and research.

What is a flashpoint?
An incident or event that causes a disturbance in the school community or media, including heightened levels of activism, media and public scrutiny, and reputational damage.

1. Include flashpoints in your school’s risk register and create plans to mitigate these potential risks

Most schools track and manage financial, operational, and compliance-related risks. However, reputational risks are sometimes overlooked. Integrating these risks into your school's