- Mailing Address
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610 E 83rd St
New York, New York 10028 - Phone
- (212) 744-8582
- Email address
- admission@brearley.org
- Website
- https://www.brearley.org/
- School Information
- "The Brearley School challenges girls of adventurous intellect and diverse backgrounds to think critically and creatively and prepares them for principled engagement in the world. Guided by a dedicated community of adults, students develop a command of many disciplines, a love of learning and a resilient and generous spirit. The bond among students and with their teachers is rooted in a passionate exchange of ideas and an appreciation for the unique and lively contributions of each individual. A Brearley education unfolds over a lifetime. The School instills in its alumnae the confidence to pursue their ambitions and the wisdom to live balanced and purposeful lives." The school enrolls 768 students, employs 125 faculty, and offers over 85 classes at the Upper School level. (Source: https://www.brearley.org/about) (Source: https://www.brearley.org/about/at-a-glance) (Source: https://www.brearley.org/academics/upper-school/curriculum)
- General Information
- The Brearley School has implemented an anti-racism initiative. As part of its application process, the school asks parents to "explain how their family's values align with the school's 'commitment to creating an anti-racist and inclusive school community.'" Additionally, departments will be "developing an inclusive curriculum and culturally competent pedagogy with the support of outside consultants."
Actions Taken
- Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
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Faculty and Staff have are being trained in "emotional responsiveness." Trustees and parents are being required to take anti-racism and anti-bias training.
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The school announced, "Students, faculty and staff are participating in training and education sessions on topics such as antiracism and cultivating community throughout the year." Additionally, the development of "A racial literacy and antiracism curriculum for K–XII (which already has been implemented in some grades) to guide students in the acquisition of cultural competence is underway."
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Brearley School has several specific requirements related to anti-racism. Firstly, parents are required to undergo two diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism workshops every school year as an application requirement. Secondly, a 500-word essay describing the parent's commitment to DEIA is required. Finally, an anti-racist statement must be signed by the parent, committing the parent to certain actions.
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- Curriculum Changes and Requirements
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Departments will be "developing an inclusive curriculum and culturally competent pedagogy with the support of outside consultants." A new curriculum is currently being introduced in the Lower School, as well as in the English and History departments in the upper grades. The Physical education and Drama departments are also creating new programs.
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A "racial literacy and antiracism" curriculum is underway.
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- Resources
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The school's library website contains an anti-racism resource page, which includes readings by Ibram X. Kendi and the 1619 Project.
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The school's library website contains an anti-racism resource page for "Birth-Class IV students and families." The resources include "Antiracist Baby."
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The Alumnae Board held two town hall meetings, with school leaders, to discuss steps towards "creating an antiracist community."
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The school provided an update on its DEI and Antiracism initiative at its 2021 reunion.
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The school announced, "In recognition of the essential value of race- and ethnicity-based affinity space, the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Dean of Students are working to support the creation, organization and funding of programming for new and existing affinity spaces."
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- Symbolic Actions
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The school announced that it was "committed to building an antiracist community." The school also said, "This work requires active introspection, self-awareness and the determination to make conscious and consistently equitable choices on a daily basis. We expect our faculty, staff, students, parents and trustees to pursue meaningful change through deliberate and measurable actions. These actions include participating in antiracist training and identifying and eliminating policies, practices and beliefs that uphold racial inequality in our community."
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The school's statement of beliefs includes an antiracism statement.
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According to the plan "Building an Antiracist Brearley," the Board of Trustees has established Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. "Antiracist advisory groups for students, parents, alumnae, and faculty and staff" have also been formed. Each of these groups has a representative who sits on the DEI committee.
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The school has hired an Associate Director of Equity and Community Engagement. It also appointed a DEI coordinator for each school division.
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The Alumnae Board ratified its own Antiracism Priorities.
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The school stated, "We are creating new antiracist systems and policies but that doesn’t mean that the culture immediately changes."
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The Alumnae Board will, "Educate ourselves and our communities on ways to better embrace antiracist behaviors and systems" and "Ensure transparency, representation and antiracism protocols by the Alum Board itself."
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On August 31, 2020, Brearley announced on Facebook that faculty are undergoing “Racial Literacy Curriculum” on “What it means to be an anti-racist educator.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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On August 26, 2020, Brearley announced the creation of the “Advocating for Anti-Racism” reading list on Facebook. This list includes “How to Be an Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi. This post was also featured on its Instagram account.
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On August 24, 2020, Brearley announced on Facebook that, “We also stepped into the important work to create an Antiracist Community, work which started this summer with the Board Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Head of School Jane Fried. This change forward will require commitment from every member of our community.” This post was also featured on its Instagram account.
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On August 6, 2020, Brearley announced the new President of the Brearley Alumnae Association who will engage in “work that is even more critical today as we, as a society, come to terms with racial inequities and injustice.”
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On July 19, 2020, Brearley announced on Facebook, “We are honored that Dr. Jacobs will lead an equity audit at Brearley and help guide our inclusion work” and “we are grateful for her insights and experience as we continue our efforts to create an anti-racist community.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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On July 16, 2020, Brearley posted an “Anti-Racism Action Steps letter” on Facebook. This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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June 15, 2020, Brearley announced on Facebook several initiatives for “confronting anti-black racism in our community.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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On June 15, 2020, Brearley posted a lengthy statement on Facebook condemning racism by stating, “We acknowledge and apologize to our Black alumnae and students who are sharing their painful experiences of anti-Black racism at Brearley.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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On June 7, 2020, Brearley took to Facebook and released a statement as part of its efforts to “support the fight against institutionalized racism and the violence and injustice that it breeds” and to “create a more inclusive, equitable and responsive community.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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On June 2, 2020, Brearley participated in “Blackout Tuesday” on Facebook. This post was also featured on its Instagram account.
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On June 2, 2020, Brearley announced on Facebook, “The Brearley School stands in solidarity against institutionalized racism and the violence and injustice that it breeds.” This post was also featured on its Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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