Continuing the Conversation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

by The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The work that began at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School just over a year ago with the formation of the school’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, has taken on even greater significance in the past several months as we’ve witnessed widespread protests, sparked by the killings of Black people at the hands of police.

Saint Andrew’s strives to be an open, inclusive learning community. We want all students to feel valued and affirmed, so the work of studying and discussing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion is an integral part of our on-going professional development.

This past summer, faculty members read from a selection of books discussing issues of race then came together earlier this month to discuss our observations. The book options included “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race,” “So You Want to Talk About Race,” “Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People,” “Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White,” and “Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race.”

Faculty members shared how the reading opened our eyes to previously unknown laws and practices that have perpetuated systemic racism for generations. The books and subsequent discussions helped fill the knowledge gap about barriers to inclusion. Several faculty members were moved to read additional books not included on the original booklist to inform their learning. Others were shocked to learn of all the ways that systemic racism manifests itself, as well as the privilege of skin color. 

Other takeaways from the reading:

“No matter our skin color, we all have space to wake up to our own belief systems which are perpetuating systemic racism and we can do this work together to teach our children better.”

“Our community and prospective families really value this work and want to instill these values in our kids so they will know how to talk about these important issues.”

“Leaning into conversations in the classroom or questions students might have. Being aware of my privilege and others' non-privilege based on skin color, etc.”

“I think we can all benefit from taking a hard look at ourselves.”

In addition to the faculty’s work, the DEI Committee comprised of Board members and faculty members, also read “Courageous Conversations” and engaged in thoughtful discussion of Mr. Singleton’s book and its application to their lives and practices.

The work will continue. During our October in-service day, we will have facilitated training from a diversity expert on the topic of race. Through education, dialog, and sharing of experiences, we will maintain a school that is safe, respectful, equitable, and welcoming to all.