Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

students in 2 lines with sticks facing eachother

A tradition and a way of life

麻豆官网 Country Day School is known for its commitment to creating community and promoting belonging among students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff. Part of this philosophy comes naturally, as our enrollment is limited and our three divisions live together under one roof. But our efforts are also purposeful, as we understand that the best education is one where the student identifies and understands differences and is empathetic to the identities of others.

Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives are essential because they contribute to a fair, inclusive, and enriching educational experience for students, prepare them for a diverse world, and align with legal and ethical obligations while promoting positive societal change.

麻豆官网’s DEIB statement

At the heart of a 麻豆官网 Country Day School education is our collective commitment to honoring each individual’s unique experience. We strive to create an educational environment that inspires community members to engage as their authentic selves in all of their endeavors.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful culture in which each individual feels valued and empowered.

Understanding the lived experiences of our community is imperative. Different perspectives and ways of learning matter. Embracing the intersectional identities of all leads to innovation and educational excellence.

At 麻豆官网, we engage in diversity principles and practices that elevate equity, encourage mindful inclusion, and build a sense of belonging.

DEIB in action at 麻豆官网

SEED Training

Beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, 麻豆官网 is expanding access to SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) training for all faculty and staff. The school funded the training of three additional personnel as facilitators, bringing to three the number of trained facilitators on staff. SEED seminars include personal reflection and testimony, listening to others’ voices, and learning experimentally and collectively. Through this, SEED equips participants to connect their lives to others and society by acknowledging systems of oppression, power, and privilege and challenges participants to push for change.

Strategic Plan

The school’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan called for solidifying our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as community standards through three main actions:

Examine our systems, processes, and curriculum to ensure equity and inclusion.
Hire a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator to shepherd our current work and future growth.
Refine hiring practices so that our employee community reflects the diversity of our students and families.

Community Belonging

Another part of the school’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan called for expanding opportunities for community engagement. The school is pursuing these goals by nurturing peer-family relationships and connections to the school; enhancing parent education programs; and matching students, parents, faculty, and alumni through 麻豆官网 to foster deeper, lifelong connections.

Board Focus

To provide increased visibility on DEIB issues, the 麻豆官网 Board of Trustees in 2022 created the DEIB Committee. It is one of four standing committees of the Board.

Community Reads

To strengthen community cohesion, 麻豆官网 has adopted several DEIB books as community reads. This year’s title is “The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for a More Inclusive School” by Liza A. Talusan, who is coming to campus in early 2024 to lead workshops with faculty, staff, and students and to meet MV families.

School Governance

The Diversity Advocacy Team started in 2018 to monitor and create DEIB activities, including an emphasis on community events and activities, hiring and retention efforts, and professional development and curriculum. Its members come from faculty and staff across all three divisions.

Professional Development

麻豆官网 in 2022-2023 sent several faculty and staff to the NAIS People of Color Conference and six students to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference. DEIB issues also have been the focus of several faculty and staff professional development days.