What does it mean to be fair? Does it really mean we all get the same? Does it mean that everyone should be treated the same way no matter what? Who decides what is fair? Everyone has to follow the rules all the time no matter what! Is that fair?

As leaders and teachers, we all have a sense of fairness as we desire that those we lead and teach feel that we are fair. What does that look like? Is it fair that a student who doesn't understand get more one on one time with the teacher than another student? Is it fair that a student who is slower in drawing have more time? 

I was talking with a friend of mine who is studying to be a teacher. She was explaining to me that being fair is really important. She further explained that when she grades the tests, she covers up the names of the student so that she won't know whose paper she is grading so she can be objective. That way, she can just grade the answers and "be fair". 

Now, having been a teacher, I asked her, "but don't you know thier handwriting?" She laughed because, of course she does, and so the myth we try to tell ourselves is that we can be completely objective when in fact, we can not. And why would we want to be? The fact that we do know the students, and we do know the story behind each paper is what brings so much more to the grading than strictly the answers. To be completely objective would be uncaring.

What if fairness was framed around the golden rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you)? What is fair depends on how it is receved by the other. Would this rule or action help the other? Would this rule or action demonstrate that I care about this situation? 

It is true that the humane way to act would to be to not withhold kindness to anyone due to thier race, religion or socio-economic position. It is also true that as leaders and teachers to not take into consideration the curcumstances of each students would also be unfair, as each is an individual and deserves repect.

What great conversations came up with this topic! Wait until you see what the students came up with for thier fairness board! It will be posted soon.