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Our School
Center for Engagement
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
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Valuing Our Differences
Grounded by our values of respect, responsibility, empathy, and inclusivity
The Steward School is a caring community that embraces the diversity of our members, keeps our minds and hearts open to differences, and views each individual as a source of strength and means of growth for our school.
Our campus’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is central to our mission and is a key component in the success of all that we do. We encourage you to use this webpage as a resource to stay informed and engaged as we work together to foster a campus climate that is welcoming to all.
Building Community through Empathy and Civil Discourse
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We use the following statement, which our Diversity and Inclusion Council developed and our Board of Trustees and school administration unanimously approved, as our guiding star:
The Steward School is committed to diversity and the development of an environment that fosters mutual respect, civic engagement, responsibility, and empathy in our school and in life. We value individuals of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions and identities, learning styles, talents, abilities and disabilities, political views, races, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and family structures.
We believe in keeping our minds and hearts open to difference as a source of strength and a means of growth for the entire community. This openness enhances feelings of belonging and allows us to learn from and grow with one another through curiosity and empathy. We continue to work towards a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusivity and recognize that this is a process that requires open dialogue and constant attention.
We believe in keeping our minds and hearts open to difference as a source of strength and a means of growth for the entire community. This openness enhances feelings of belonging and allows us to learn from and grow with one another through curiosity and empathy. We continue to work towards a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusivity and recognize that this is a process that requires open dialogue and constant attention.
Inclusion in Action at Steward
These words are meaningful; however, the most important thing is the actions they spur. Each and every member of our community should feel respected, honored, and equal in their experiences in the classrooms, hallways, offices, lunchroom, and colonnade, as well as on the athletic fields, or anywhere else we may find ourselves. Therefore, our community strives to realize this philosophy in our day-to-day lives.
Guided by our Diversity and Inclusion Council and school administration, ongoing initiatives include:
Guided by our Diversity and Inclusion Council and school administration, ongoing initiatives include:
- Partnership with Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC)
- Having been named a leader school in the Virginia Diversity Network
- Diversity and Inclusion Council and working committees: Governance; Special Programming; Best Practices; Campus Resources; and Student Organizations.
- Awareness, education, and skills training at faculty meetings (faculty and staff)
- Summer Connections Leadership Institute (students)
- Diversity Clubs (students), PAXS+ Club (Middle School), Black Student Alliance (Upper School), and more.
- Prejudice Awareness Summit (Middle School) and Diversity Dialogue Day (Upper School)
- NAIS People of Color Conference (faculty/staff) & Student Diversity Leadership Conference (students)—read about our student and faculty experience at these conferences.
- Diversity and inclusion liaisons in each division
- Teaching Tolerance resources
- Routine social justice curriculum audits
While we recognize the contribution of each of the above listed activities, it is also our intention to enrich this list with further programming that enhances the diversity and inclusivity of our community. The Diversity and Inclusion Council welcomes your suggestions or feedback!
Please contact co-chairs Ron Coles at ron.coles@stewardschool.org or Tarsha Adkins at tarshaadkins@gmail.com to share your thoughts. Additionally, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Tiffany Goodman may be reached at tiffany.goodman@stewardschool.org.
Spartans Share Their Thoughts on Diversity and Identity
The Steward School shared two important video messages during the 2020-21 school year. The first one, "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Steward School," introduces the series, and it is complemented by a second video, "Recognizing, Understanding, and Embracing Identity."
Read our strategic plan, Compass 2028, which prioritizes holistic, whole-person experiences for every member of our community.
DEI News
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Diversity and Inclusion Council
Our council’s mission is to advance the goals set out in our diversity and inclusion statement and to provide opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, and board to enhance the understanding of diversity and inclusion in our school. Our council comprises five committees: Governance; Special Programming; Best Practices; Campus Resources; and Student Organizations.
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