Embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is not just a statement. It’s woven into the fabric of our community. We recognize the importance of navigating the intricate relationship between personal, interpersonal and systemic aspects of DEI work.
Through self-reflection and active listening, we actively create space for individual stories and experiences, fostering a sense of interconnectedness within our community. By centering community in our efforts, we ensure that everyone has a voice in engaging in thoughtful, intentional and well-informed discussions and programming.
Programs and Initiatives
NEST
Pre-orientation programming supports students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in independent schools. Contact nestprogram@peddie.org for more information.
DEI Councils
Including Student, Employee and Alumni Advisory Councils dedicated to DEI.
All-Gender Housing
Providing an additional residential option where students of all gender identities reside together.
DEI Day
Devoting an entire class day each term to intentional community programming and reflection on identity and belonging.
Bias Response
A reporting system and protocol for bias incidents, emphasizing accountability and restorative practices.
Affinity Groups
Offering spaces for individuals with shared identities or experiences to connect, celebrate and collaborate.
For all our differences that make us wonderfully unique, we are bonded in the feeling of belonging within a community that encourages respectful listening to one another.”
Our Vision
- Recognizing and addressing systemic inequities.
- Incorporating just and equitable structures, practices and policies.
- Building culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Providing care, guidance and resources for all community members to thrive.
- Fostering a strong sense of belonging for all community members.
AIM Recommendations
Following the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM), we have received valuable recommendations to further enhance our DEI efforts:
- Provide necessary resources and support for the DDEI.
- Implement an institution-wide reporting and accountability system for bullying, teasing and unjust, prejudiced or discriminatory interaction.
- Increase structural diversity among faculty, staff, administrators and trustees to represent the diversity of the student body.
- Reserve time and space for ongoing DEI conversations and provide community members with the common vocabulary/tools necessary to engage fully.
- Evaluate and improve campus-facilitated interactions, advising/teaching practices and curriculum.
- Expand campus wellness efforts to include ongoing community programming focused on wellness and student concerns.
- Evaluate and modify our physical plant, programs and school communications to provide an equitable, welcoming and validating experience for non-binary and LGBTQIA+ community members.
- Revise the strategic plan to include a section specifically focused on DEI initiatives.
Affinity Groups
Explore our affinity groups, each providing a supportive space for individuals to connect and thrive.
AAPI
The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) affinity group is a community for people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Its main goal is to create a safe environment for AAPI community members to share their experiences, express feelings and educate others on topics relating to AAPI identity.
Christian Youth Group
The Christian Youth Group (CYG) aims to serve the Peddie community and beyond in a way that resembles that of Jesus’ work. Its mission is to reflect, interpret and pray as a group on the teachings of God.
Middle Eastern
The Middle Eastern Affinity Group exists to bring people of Middle Eastern descent at Peddie together to celebrate and discuss their culture.
Slavic Culture
The Slavic Culture’s central focus is to share the diverse cultures of eastern Europe and post-Soviet countries. Its aim is to show how Slavic students’ differences bring them together under the same Slavic identity.
Women of Color
The Women of Color affinity group is a space for self-identifying women of color to celebrate their intersectional identity, and discuss their feelings about the complexities of dealing with inherent gender inequality and sexism while balancing cultures, confronting stereotypes and experiencing racial discrimination.
Black Student Union
The Black Student Union (BSU) provides Black students a safe and inviting space while encouraging cultural diversity and growth for all. Its purpose is to create an environment to celebrate and explore Black culture, lifestyle and history.
Jewish Heritage Alliance
The Jewish Heritage Alliance (JHA) is a space for students who identify as Jewish to discuss topics and hold events that are relevant to this part of their identity. JHA members will continue to hold conversations and events open to all and share their culture with the larger Peddie community.
Multi-Racial
The Multi-Racial Affinity Group serves as a safe space that promotes inclusivity for multi-racial students, and allows them to feel comfortable to speak up about their experiences. By joining the Multi-Racial Affinity Group, students do not have to feel the need to choose one race over another; rather, they are surrounded by others who acknowledge and appreciate the shared diversity amongst themselves.
Spectrum
Spectrum exists to provide LGBTQIA+ identifying students at Peddie with a safe and comfortable environment to relax, meet up and connect with other LGBTQIA+ identifying peers throughout the school year.
Caribbean Student Alliance
The Caribbean Student Alliance (CSA) is a space for Peddie students of Caribbean descent where each other’s voices are shared, heard and understood. It aims to celebrate the diversity among the different Caribbean cultures while also cherishing the uniqueness of a shared Caribbean culture through community conversations and gatherings.
LatinX
The LatinX affinity group intends to cultivate a safe space for LatinX students on campus through events and conversations, while educating the community about different LatinX cultures and current issues facing its community.
SALAAM
SALAAM’s mission is to create a positive space to celebrate Islam within the Peddie community, hoping to supply a supportive group for Muslim Peddie students, clarify misconceptions of the religion and promote peace among everyone.
Union of Black Brotherhood
The Union of Black Brotherhood (UBB) is a place where the Black men of Peddie can come together and enjoy each other’s company. The main intention is to construct a space where Black men can speak as freely and confidently as possible.
OUR FACULTY
LaVern Burton
Jennifer Castillo
DEI Coordinator for Student Affinity Programs and Support
Student DEI Council Advisor
Student Cultural Collaborative Advisor
Michelle Onion