As HBHA dives into the second semester, the Ninth and Tenth grades speedily prepare for the biennial Civil Rights Trip. Since 2016, the underclassmen have participated in a week-long Civil Rights Trip (CRT) visiting landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement. Previously, HBHA traveled with the students of University Academy (UA), a charter school in Kansas City, Mo., forging bonds that students remember for years to come. However, for undisclosed reasons, HBHA and UA have mutually agreed upon pausing their partnership. 

Zohar Flacks, principal of the HBHA Upper School, stated, “While it was not a sudden decision, it was also not exactly expected on our part.”

Flacks mentioned, “This decision was made earlier this year.” So, like many other aspects of the Civil Rights Trip that have changed, HBHA simply had to “adjust” in reaction.

 While this does not directly affect the relationship between HBHA and UA, it is important to recognize the loss of Mr. Todd Clauer (z”l), past Upper School principal and beloved teacher, who had spearheaded this trip along with Ms. Renee. The Civil Rights Trip will forever be changed because of his passing last year. 

Still, as the preparation for the trip continues, sophomore Shefer Rudnick shared her optimism for the trip, “I’m excited to mostly know more about the history and connect it to places.” 

When asked for her reaction to discovering that the civil rights trip would no longer be with University Academy, Rudnick responded, “I was definitely a little bit disappointed.” 

Rudnick shared her past excitement for the learning experience as well as sharing it, “with people who are more so in their history.” Both of Rudnick’s older siblings completed the preparation for the trip, though one sibling was unable to attend due to COVID-19. Rudnick described how she perceived their experiences by saying, “I definitely remember them [her siblings] saying that they made new friends.” 

The 2026 civil rights trip participants will consist of HBHA underclassmen and members from the Beth Torah confirmation class, but there is still hope for a future rekindling of HBHA and UA’s relationship. Zohar shared insight on these possible plans: “We are in contact with UA and are looking to see what future collaboration will look like.”