Media Relations
Societal Events: Principles on issuing official statements
Phillips Academy’s approach to making statements has evolved over time, and in fall 2022, the Academy adopted a new policy to help determine whether a statement should be part of a mission-focused response to societal events. The policy is based on five principles:
- Andover’s mission is to educate high school students. We teach students how to think, not what to think, and we prepare them to analyze societal issues through a wide range of perspectives. We are not policymakers or experts in global affairs. Therefore, it is rare that Andover will issue a statement on societal events that do not directly impact the school’s mission.
- Andover prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of our campus community. We will always act quickly to support students, faculty, and staff, with particular attention to those who are struggling to process societal events. We will also offer resources and develop educational programming to deepen our understanding.
- When information regarding resources and/or programming is communicated with the campus community, it will not always be shared more broadly. When appropriate, Andover may communicate with parents and/or alumni. Rarely will the school communicate with public audiences.
- Andover will not use a public platform to pronounce outrage or condolences without taking responsive action or adding depth to the conversation.
- For Andover to issue a statement, the societal event must directly impact our education mission, and our voice should add value to public discourse.
Media Relations
The Office of Communication works with journalists to promote the mission of the school. We strive to be open and accessible to media outlets covering legitimate news featuring Phillips Academy.
Members of the media seeking information, statements, or interviews should contact the chief communications officer and spokesperson at 978-479-5646.
*Please note: In most cases, permission is required before publishing students' names or images.
MEDIA CONTACT
Tracy Sweet
Chief Communications Officer
[email protected]
978-479-5646
Allyson Irish
Director of Creative Services
Associate Director of Communications
[email protected]
978-749-4677
Neil Evans
Director of Digital Communications
[email protected]
978-749-4279
SOCIAL MEDIA
View Andover’s guidelines and policies for social media activity. Contact Neil Evans, director of digital communications, for additional information.
Phillips Academy and many campus creators maintain official social media channels. In addition to our official channels, you can also find social coverage on Andover athletic teams, the arts, student clubs, affinity spaces, dorms, etc. on individually managed Instagram accounts.
Any accounts with inaccurate information, or accounts that falsely represent themselves as Andover properties should be reported to the director of digital communications.
