Embracing Diversity
For many years, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School has proudly held the designation of a No Place for Hate School through the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Since joining the program in the 2013-14 school year, we have consistently earned this recognition each year. Achieving and maintaining this status is an ongoing commitment that we take seriously throughout the year.
Embracing diversity has been a fundamental part of our ethos long before we earned the designation of a No Place for Hate School. In the fall of 2009, the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Board took a significant step by establishing a standing Diversity Committee. Chaired by parent Jose Cot and open to all members of the school community, this committee was tasked with evaluating and fostering every aspect of diversity within St. Andrew’s School. Our commitment to diversity is deeply embedded in the school’s mission statement, highlighting it as one of our three core values.
By March 2010, the efforts of the Diversity Committee culminated in the approval of a dedicated mission statement by the St. Andrew’s School Board. This mission statement, thoughtfully crafted by the committee, reflects our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive, and diverse educational environment for all.
The St. Andrew’s School Board approved the following mission statement in March 2010, crafted by the Diversity Committee:
The Committee on Diversity shall support St. Andrew’s Episcopal School’s commitment to diversity by actively promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment in which all persons – regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, language, ethnic or cultural background, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or beliefs, physical and mental abilities and/or socioeconomic status – feel welcome and affirmed, thereby benefitting students, faculty and staff in all academic, workplace and extra-curricular programs.
The work of the Committee is grounded in the belief that God creates and cherishes all human beings, thus equity and social justice are standards to uphold as we understand, embrace and celebrate our differences.
The Committee will work collaboratively with members of the St. Andrew’s community to provide a forum for open dialogue, identify and develop age- appropriate materials, increase awareness of diversity and multiculturalism, and engage in cooperative decision-making.
RESPONSIBILITIES
To fulfill its mission, the Committee will be actively involved in the following endeavors:
1. Conduct assessments among students, faculty and staff to identify and develop policies and practices that support and foster an inclusive environment in recruitment, hiring, retention, curriculum and programs;
2. Propose objective criteria for assessing the effectiveness of diversity activities and progress made towards diversity, unity and inclusiveness;
3. Recommend and support diversity awareness training, development and enrichment activities for students, faculty and staff;
4. Recommend and support diversity awareness activities, and factual programming and curriculum;
5. Raise awareness and sensitivity about the impact existing policies, procedures and operations have on the School’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness;
6. Act as a resource to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees in developing and implementing policies and procedures designed to advance diversity and inclusiveness, and by facilitating resolution among students, faculty and staff of issues involving diversity and inclusiveness (reconciliation);
7. Develop and recommend a process to ensure the prompt consideration of diversity or inclusiveness concerns or grievances by any member of the St. Andrew’s community.