Skip To Main Content

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In a global, Quaker, intercultural school like ours, there is no space between the idea of ‘minding the light’ and our desire to create an environment where everyone feels a sense of inclusion and belonging." Rachel Williams
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

George School’s tenets on inclusion articulate our intentions to be a healthy and engaged community.

Ethical Citizens.

George School seeks to cultivate ethical citizenship in individuals and the institution itself. Rooted in the belief that all have a divine spark, the school aims to inspire a dynamic relationship between self-awareness and social cohesion.

Deep Listeners.

Alongside encouraging each individual “to let their life speak,” George School endeavors to equip those gathered here to be deep listeners—to others and to themselves.

Neighbors.

Adults and students alike are challenged to discover and embody what it means to be a neighbor to those down the hall, around the corner, and across the globe.

Reflect Light.

George School desires that the difference be a resource, that equity be a catalyst for equality, and that justice reflect the Light.

 

Headshot
Rachel Williams

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

headshot
Zahra Patterson

English Faculty

Mindful Speech Understanding

George School is a community where people with vastly different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are united in mutual respect, and the pursuit of a common good. We are committed to creating spaces for our students and adults to engage across differences in healthy, challenging, and sometimes uncomfortable dialogue that promotes intellectual and cultural curiosity both inside and outside of the classroom.

We understand that the verbalization of certain words and/or objectification of any person orgroup of people based on race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, appearance, or ability can create suffering and harm—not only to the person or group but to incidental observers and the community at large. For this reason, our “Mindful Speech Understanding” helps us remember to stop, pause, and consider the words we are verbalizing before doing so.

There may be times when we find merit in using or sharing materials that contain language that is considered demeaning and offensive; however, we do not recommend verbalizing this language aloud. This applies to all aspects of community life, including social media. *

Depending on the context of the material being shared and the group, consider the following questions:

  1. Have clear discussion norms, communication guidelines, and/or working agreements already been created and established within the group?
  2. Has a path to navigate potentially difficult conversations been established with the group?
  3. Have I reflected on my own positionality and identity and the potential impact of both in the setting in which the material is being shared?
  4. Why is this material/language essential for the group?
  5. Have I previewed the materials extensively before sharing with others?
  6. Would I benefit from seeking guidance from a peer, colleague, teacher, or supervisor before sharing this material with others?
  7. How will I create a space for conversation, reflection, and discussion during and after sharing this material, since each community member holds multiple identities, perspectives, and different levels of understanding?

*Linguistically speaking, the power and meaning of words and their acceptable use changes over time, so there is not an exhaustive list to share. We recognize that there are gradations and nuances to this topic. There will also be times when regardless of intention, our actions or words leave someone in the community legitimately offended. In those instances, we ask community members to stay open to listening and learning from one another.

Ultimately, we want all members of the community to be committed to “openness in the pursuit of truth,” to speak with mindfulness, to listen through the lens of curiosity, empathy, and compassion, and to use the lessons learned here at George School to inspire us all to be agents of change for good in the world.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Groups on Campus

Is there a cause you care about? An idea or a resource you want to share?

We welcome your suggestions!
Suggestions