Groton School

At convocation, the headmaster "called for an end to anti-Black racism, emphasizing the school’s commitment to curricular reform."

"There is a new Curricular Working Group initiated by teachers and faculty." The purpose is to "delve into the history of structural racism and must incorporate an understanding of how oppressive narratives continue to shape the way we all think."

"Anonymous members of the board have agreed to donate $50,000 to be distributed proportionally among the 5 organizations alumni donate to most."

Groton's first faculty meeting, included "workshops on diversity and inclusion" and "conversations about diversity, anti-racism, bias, and privilege." The facilitator defined "diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice."

"Members of the Curricular Working Group and the Residential Working Group held an on-campus retreat, touching on topics from inclusive pedagogy and equity in grading to what gender inclusion means in the classroom and how to facilitate difficult conversations about race." Activities of the retreat included sessions on "Inclusive Pedagogy," "Courageous Conversations," and "Equity and Assessments."

The School's Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement states the following: "Groton School is committed to diversity and inclusivity with responsibility, mutual respect, and empathy...We are dedicated to shared examination of our different perspectives, inherent privileges, disadvantages, and prejudices, especially in terms of race, religion, national origin, gender and sexuality, socioeconomic status, and political ideology. We believe this work is critical to preparing students to lead “lives of character, learning, leadership, and service."

Over the past five years, Groton has added sixteen new courses that focus on "underrepresented groups, including Black women, Native Americans, and the LGBTQ community. Examples include Racism and Genocide, Islamic Ethics, Breaking Down the Binary: Queer Lit, Women Writing about Women, and Theater of the Oppressed."

On July 6, 2020, Groton announced on Facebook that it “put a stake in the anti-racist ground seven years ago.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.

On June 20, 2020, Groton announced on Facebook, “Groton School and the Board of Trustees stand in solidarity with those seeking to end systemic racism and realize justice in the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. We are inspired by the courageous activism of people of all races standing up for justice in the world, and we aspire to be part of the solution that ends conscious and subconscious racism. As trustees representing the school, we stand against discrimination of all forms and are committed to action.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.

On June 6, 2020, Groton announced numerous initiatives Groton is undertaking to combat “racial injustice.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.

On June 2, 2020, Groton stated on Facebook, “Headmaster Maqubela suggests we look to MLK for wisdom and hope as conflict grips our cities following the tragic death of George Floyd.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Headmaster Temba Maqubela published the following statement on inclusion: "[We] must respond to the impatient echoes for justice and inclusion that have been reverberating throughout our country and the world. Racial justice has been elusive for centuries. It is essential to acknowledge that during the more than five hundred years of colonialism and four hundred years since the first slaves arrived from Africa, many educators have looked the other way, pretending to be immune from biases and racism that for too long were unaddressed."

One of the schools core initiatives is maintaining an inclusive campus. A method of achieving this is through expanding "visual symbols of inclusion throughout the campus through the use of technology, naming opportunities, and other physical enhancements." Another method is inclusivity expansion via "employment searches, seeking to engage, recruit, and retain candidates from underrepresented groups."

On June 19th, 2020, the following statement was sent to the Groton Community: "Groton School and the Board of Trustees stand in solidarity with those seeking to end systemic racism and realize justice in the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others."

In coherence with Groton's 2030 Strategic Framework, "The Vuyelwa and Temba Maqubela Track and Field Complex at Groton School was formally dedicated on April 27, furthering the current era of inclusion, diversity, and athletics on the Circle."

The Wanda C. Hill House "is the first building named for a person of color in Groton’s history."