Rock Point School and Episcopal Diocese of Vermont remove a prominent portrait of a Bishop who wrote a book in support of slavery
Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown, Abbey Baker, CJ. Spirito and three student leaders speaking to the Rock Point School community
Vermont Business Magazine Last week, Rock Point School students and faculty removed a large portrait of Bishop John Henry Hopkins, a noted figure in the history of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont. In 1832, Hopkins became the first Episcopal Bishop of Vermont, and his son built the school building in the late 19th Century to honor his father.
Under the leadership of Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown, the Diocese of Vermont has been grappling with the history of the church, including the writings of Bishop Hopkins. This year, Bishop MacVean-Brown, with leaders of Rock Point School, read Hopkins’ book titled A Scriptural, Ecclesiastical, and Historical View of Slavery. In it, Hopkins argues that slavery is not a sin and criticized abolitionists who described it as such.
At the school, students and staff began to explore how to reconcile the racist history of this prominent figure, the role he played in the founding of the diocese, and his belief in the importance of educating women. A group of students, with their English teacher, Abbey Baker, and the Head of School, C.J. Spirito, arranged for the removal of the prominent portrait of Bishop Hopkins that was displayed in the front hall of the school. The Episcopal Diocese, who owns the school building and the painting, agreed that the portrait could be removed.
On May 19, Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown, Abbey Baker, C.J. Spirito, and three student leaders spoke to the school community about the decision. Part of the student statement about the removal reads, “Hopkins is one of countless leaders whose beliefs have shaped the legacy of racism in this country, a legacy we still see the effects of today. It was clear that it needed to be moved.” The school leadership decided to leave a small portrait of Bishop Hopkins in the chapel, with the statement written by the students, which puts his legacy in context.
Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown applauded the decision of the students, “You all are setting a wonderful example to have studied and discussed with each other and decided that this is something you don’t agree with … It’s important to take the first step and have a visual representation of this work and the change happening.”
In addition to removing the portrait, students elected to fly a Black Lives Matter Flag in the front of the school, over Bishop Hopkin’s name.
About Rock Point School: Rock Point School is a small, independent day and boarding high school founded in 1928 and located in Burlington, Vermont. The school serves students from Vermont and around the country who are seeking a supportive educational environment.
Source: Burlington, VT - Rock Point School 5.26.2021