St. Paul’s School

The school stated that there have been, "Multi-faceted yearly DEI training through speakers and programs for the faculty... topics have included: Confronting implicit bias, strengthening hiring and retention, developing a framework for equity literacy, deepening understanding of gender and sexuality, equity in grading." The school also said that the "Gorski Equity Literacy Framework training for all faculty completed in 2018."

"Curricular and Community Education. Working together to build Beloved Community as we enhance inclusivity and belonging within the School, we seek to listen, affirm, and understand the diversity of our cultural experiences across age, ability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Both within and outside the classroom, faculty work to deepen the breadth and depth of diverse voices within our curriculum, grounding this work in genuine curiosity and respect for the dignity of every human being. Together we strive to advance Beloved Community through collaboration and cooperation."

The school stated, "The LINC (Living in Community) residential-life curriculum is integrated into student and house life. This work will continue with DEI Council, DEI Student Council, and Director of DEI Initiatives."

The local newspaper also reported, "The school also created a formal reporting system for issues including discrimination and microagressions."

The school has a Decision Tree for reporting misconduct.

The school stated, "Community Conduct Board process and protocols are in place as a “reporting” protocol for microaggressions that includes students, faculty, and staff being able to access and a sense of consequence for intentional misconduct. The SPS website provides an additional avenue for reporting. Anonymous reporting is available through Maxient Case Management System."

One of the areas of support for the St. Paul's School fund was "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion."

The school held an event with Ibram X. Kendi, author of "How to be an Antiracist."

The school stated, "St. Paul’s has now enlisted the nonprofit group VISIONS, Inc., which helps schools and other organizations create healthier environments in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through a holistic process and in sessions with all School constituents – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and board members – they promote methods of relating to one another in ways that are anti-racist and anti-oppression."

The school stated that "19 SPS faculty members, many of them returning for another of the yearly sessions" attended the national People of Color Conference. The school also stated, "But while adult educators met for seminars, workshops, and other activities, a partner conference also took place, as six SPS students joined hundreds of other independent-school students for the 25th annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)...In conversations, the SPS students emphasized the importance of breaking out into affinity groups, especially those of race and ethnicity."

The school stated, "This past summer, our faculty readings included How to be an Antiracist (Kendi), White Fragility (Diangelo), Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? (Tatum)."

The school stated, "Ohrstrom Library maintains an Antiracism teaching tool kit and a reading list for SPS community members." The school also said, "We launched the new Windows and Mirrors Film Series for all SPS community members to enhance the Beloved Community on the grounds. A mirror is a story that reflects one’s own culture and helps one build one’s identity. A window is a resource that offers one a view into someone else’s experience... Student questions were at the heart of two recent powerful community conversations with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author/speaker (September 30), and Arshay Cooper, author/speaker (October 16)."

The school stated, "Professional development in diversity, equity, and inclusion is intensive and ongoing. SPS sponsors and participates in such nationally recognized organizations as Diversity Directions, Teaching While White, Antiracism Teach-In, Gorski Workshop: On Becoming Antiracist, African American History (Yale), African American Art Workshop, etc. Most recently, faculty training and teach-ins (informal lecture series on subjects of faculty interest) have included work… on the topic of ‘Understanding Microaggressions in the age of Black@’ and teach-in trainings on antiracism (October 14). The series continues with “Moving Forward” on November 14."

In June 2020, the school offered resources including "How to Be an Antiracist Educator" and "There Is No Apolitical Classroom: Resources for Teaching in These Times."

The school said that there was "Student participation in community-wide programming (e.g. LINC Days, MLK Day observances, guest speakers."

The local newspaper reported, "In September [2020], the school hired diversity, equity and inclusion director... and established a student diversity, equity and inclusion council."

The school stated, "In 2017 the Board of Trustees charged the Task Force on Inclusive Community to create action plans to further the initiative of diversity and inclusivity, including what resources (human, time, and/or capital) would be required to move them forward. Over the past three years, the School has worked to implement the recommendations as set forth in the task force report."

The school is "working to embed DEI work into community life through the development of new programs and structures that deepen existing partnerships and collaborations among students, faculty, staff, and SPS alumni of color. The director provides a central hub to support the Faculty DEI Council... the newly created Student DEI Council, the emerging Interfaith Council, and with members of the Office of Advancement in developing an outreach plan for alumni/alumnae of color."

The school appointed a new "director of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives."

On August 21, 2020, SPS highlighted a student who “recently organized a Black Lives Matter rally in her hometown.” This post was also featured on its Instagram account.

On June 25, 2020, SPS released a DEI statement on Facebook, stating, “We affirm that all Black Lives Matter and we are united in our desire to create an institution in which everyone feels seen, respected, and empowered.” This post was also featured on its Instagram and Twitter accounts.

On June 24, 2020, SPS announced on Facebook that it will be doing fee waivers and optional testing for “greater accessibility and inclusivity.” This post was also featured on its Instagram and Twitter accounts.

On June 22, 2020, SPS released a statement on Facebook about “racial violence” and “police brutality.” This post was also featured on its Instagram account. This post was also featured on its Instagram account.

On June 4, 2020, SPS posted on Facebook, stating “Dean of Equity and Inclusion, James Greenwood, addresses the School’s response to racial violence and subsequent protests during recent weeks.” This post was also featured on its Instagram account.

On June 2, 2020, SPS released a statement on Facebook saying, “The SPS community stands against hatred, violence, prejudice, and injustice. At these times, we come together as a community that holds all people in reverent respect, embracing the service and sacrifice required for justice and freedom for all.” This post was also featured on its Instagram and Twitter accounts.