Deerfield Academy

The school stated, "We appreciate and encourage the ongoing discussion of our curriculum, including proposals for new courses on social justice and anti-racism, in addition to the course we already offer. We currently offer a range of courses that explore a variety of issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion... This fall, we are offering courses on race in America; environmental justice; an exploration of how identity, power and privilege shape our ethical understandings; and the role literature plays in equitable societies. Moving forward, we will develop a process to review our current curriculum and conduct a preliminary review of our course catalog that can provide a foundation for future study of our educational program."

The school newspaper reported, "Since the initial course listings, Deerfield introduced a new senior history class 'Africa through the Lens' and renamed ninth-grade English class from 'Voice and Vision' to 'Voices and Visions of Justice.'"

The school stated, "Curricular review is necessary and important, and there has been much discussion about Deerfield’s course offerings, including proposals for new classes on social justice and anti-racism, in addition to those we already offer. Over the course of the coming school year, [a school official] will develop a process to conduct a preliminary review of our course catalog to ensure that it is responsive to national and world events, preserves Deerfield’s longstanding commitment to the liberal arts, and strikes an appropriate balance between elective choice and required coursework."

The school has undertaken a review of its "handbooks, policies, and disciplinary practices" to make clear that it does not tolerate "hateful speech and behavior." It is also "studying our bias incident and reporting process" and other areas of the disciplinary process.

The school stated, "Our student handbook and policies make clear that Deerfield does not tolerate hateful speech." It pledged to "have in place a more robust process for members of the community, including our students, to register concerns about bias and bigotry."

Cross the Valley was a school campaign to "expand and sustain cultural competency among all community members – a key phase of the Strategic Plan for Inclusion."

The school aims to create more "sustained programs for all students - and specifically for students new to the school."

The school had a sign-up for a "White Anti-Racist Learning Space."

The school newspaper reported, "Additionally, the Student Life Office hosted two webinars, one for all students titled, 'Making Sense of the Moment We’re Living' as well as one for students of color titled, 'Being a Person of Color in the United States and at Deerfield.'"

In 2016, Deerfield’s Vision—as described in our Strategic Plan for Inclusion—stated in part: 'Diverse perspectives fuel creative and innovative thinking and build empathy and consideration.' Next year, as a way of encouraging schoolwide discussion and ensuring 'diverse perspectives' on issues of contemporary urgency, we will fully institutionalize the 'Deerfield Forum,' which was first proposed to provide regular, sustained, and, in some instances, required opportunities for listening and conversation among the student body.

The Office of Inclusion and Community Life "collaborates with all departments to support a campus-wide conversation and effort leading to the development of institutional priorities for sustaining diversity work," through "trainings, lectures, special programs, and short and long term strategic goals."

The school has released an "Action Plan to Strengthen Equity, Inclusion, and Campus Culture."

The school has undertaken a search for an Associate Dean of Faculty, a Dean for Inclusive Teaching and Learning, a Director of Inclusion and Community Life, and an Assistant Director of Multi-Cultural Recruitment.

A new working group will be developing a "sustained and coordinated approach to professional learning for our faculty." The school will also be looking at "sustained, coordinated, and ongoing support for faculty learning in the areas of inclusive instructional practices and curriculum."

On August 5, 2020, Deerfield released the 2020-2021 Action Plan to Strengthen Equity, Inclusion, and Campus Culture on Facebook. This post was also featured on its Instagram and Twitter accounts.

On June 22, 2020, Deerfield released a lengthy statement on Facebook, stating “It has been painful for me to read of the racism recounted in social media posts and in emails sent to me by our alumni and students, and it is clear that Deerfield can and will do more to create and sustain an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for all students, especially our Black students and other students of color. We stand with and by our students, employees, and alumni in our collective fight to eradicate racism.” This post was also featured on its Instagram and Twitter accounts.

On June 2, 2020, Deerfield released a lengthy response to the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd on Facebook saying, “I write to you as tens of thousands of people across the country take to the streets to honor the lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, express outrage at their killing and, not for the first time in our history, demand change.” This post was also featured on its Instagram and Twitter accounts.