Chances are you've heard “nonconformist” being used to describe the unorthodox believers of Protestant Christian faith. In England, those nonconformists rejected the standard doctrines of the Church and became the “Reformed Christians.” These Christians could be further classified into separatist groups including but not limited to the Baptists, Quakers, and Presbyterians. And though the state punished civil and religious dissent, these early Nonconformists continued to convene in secrecy, reforming the individual and collective experiences even beyond religion. Literacy, democracy, economy, and liberty were indelibly overhauled. Thus, intentional divergence stimulates innovation, and human progress is built on and is even unfeasible without the existence of ethical, reasonable dissent and its advocates.  

The purpose of social "norms" must first be established to understand its complement, nonconformity. These are the behaviors perceived to be appropriate by communities—they're the informal and often unspoken agreements formed at the crossroads of individual beliefs and communal expectations. Primarily, norms sustain a sense of togetherness, determining the processes through which order is produced and maintained, whether as unofficial transactions between individuals or as codified laws. We want to be seen as “decent” by peers, and conformism is a definite path to acceptance, even as convention refuses to align with personal philosophies. However, what is acceptable should never be confused with what is right. Historically, there have existed social norms that were the products of baseless (and downright prejudicial) stigmas associated with certain races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, physical appearances, and traditional roles of individuals—particularly between man and woman. For instance, while it is now generally acceptable to identify with the LGBTQ+ community, representation of homosexual relationships are still few and far between in the media, and so children grow up believing love has parameters. We are the only species to think so. These social constructs provide so scarcely for human progress—if at all. Then, is it not our responsibility and within our license to dissent?   

When there are evident flaws within a system, the most appropriate course of action is to participate in civil discussion and (lawful) demonstrations for change. We so often fear difference that we choose to suffer through what is default. But society would never improve without its nonconformists. Albert Einstein was one—a skeptic of authority and conventional wisdom. “Long live impudence!” he said, and then he went on to revolutionize physics. Naturally, there are institutions and contexts in which dissidence is not appropriate, such as the Army. However, in the proper and relevant settings, the payoff of nonconformity may be worth its temporary price. Often, dissidents will not immediately gain public approval, but if their will remains resolute, and they are steadfast before adversity, they will achieve for humanity what we so desperately need.  

We’re a school of innovators and activists. Take the walkout as evidence of it. On September 5, 2025, students and faculty crowded MLWG’s front steps, sporting orange and toting handmade signs in support of government action against gun violence in light of the Annunciation Catholic School shooting. Contributing to the ongoing struggles for minority rights and addressing contemporary failings through nonconformism is fundamental for reformation. But even the small things—dressing however you feel most yourself and having pride for your niche interests—make a difference. This year (and all those following), you are encouraged to engage in productive dissent. Abandon fear of difference. Embrace change. Let your convictions guide you. And in the words of Tama J. Kieves in Inspired and Unstoppable, “The worship of convention will never lead to astonishment,” as, “You are not made to fit into the world . . . but to remake the world, heal the world, and illuminate new choices and sensibilities.” 

Information retrieved from “Why Nonconformity Is a Precondition for Innovation” (2016) from Inc. and “Social Norms and their Effects on Society” (2021) from the Institute for Youth in Policy.