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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are a community of belonging where students, staff, and families are dedicated to inclusion and respect for all.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world.”
bell hooks

At San Domenico, we continuously strive to create an inclusive environment where every member of our community can fully embrace their identity without leaving any part of it at the door. We are committed to fostering a space where all aspects of diversity are celebrated, and where every individual feels a deep sense of belonging.

San Domenico’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is dedicated to organizing, planning, and creating intentional programming across all school levels, including through the Board of Trustees' DEI Task Force. Our goal is to ensure that our mission and values are not just ideals, but actions woven into the very fabric of our School.

We recognize that achieving our vision for DEI requires the commitment of every member of our community. At San Domenico, we embrace DEI as both a practice and a praxis, continually seeking innovative ways to engage with and explore the rich global diversity that defines our school.

Welcome,

Brian Davis

Brian Davis

Assistant Head of School for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

What is DEI?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion work (often referred to as DEI) in independent schools seeks to help community members navigate differences and similarities so that everyone can realize their potential. The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) defines these terms as:

San Domenico Social Vision Statement

In keeping with our mission and core values of study, reflection, community, and service, San Domenico is a community of belonging where students, staff, and families are dedicated to inclusion and respect for all. The school affirms the dignity of every student.

Non-Discrimination Statement: A Community of Belonging

It is the policy of San Domenico to provide an educational environment in which all students are treated with respect and which is free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. The School prohibits harassment and discrimination based on a student’s actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability, or because they are associating with others with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Harassment, including sexual harassment, of any student by any other student or adult is prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Furthermore, the school prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports, or cooperates in the investigation of, an incident of harassment or discrimination.

Living our Mission

A core component of our mission is to respond to the needs of the times, and today more than ever before, that means recognizing our global interconnection. With both day and boarding students, our community comprises individuals from more than 20 countries. SD students and families represent a wide spectrum of cultures, identities, and backgrounds, all of whom make our community stronger, smarter, wiser, and better able to fulfill our vision of graduating students who go forth to shape a better world.

Asking the Hard Questions

At SD, we encourage and develop the art of respectful inquiry and this permeates all areas of our program, including DEI work. We have the hard conversations and with a global student body, we hear many different perspectives. We may not be able to do or be everything we want yet, but we continue to work toward the just and peaceful world that we envision.

Our faculty and staff seek out opportunities and channels to increase community awareness of, and support for, diversity and respect among all beings.

Systems Thinking

We recognize that as a system, we are stronger than any one individual. Our Admissions team works to create a more diverse student and parent body, who then enrich one another's lives by sharing their backgrounds and cultures. Our ethics, philosophy, world religions, and service learning curriculum encourage an understanding of our global interconnectedness. Students bring their ideas and questions to the campus, the classroom, and the School's leadership. Together we strive for peace, sustainability, and equity.

Connect with Us

Please contact us at dei@sandomenico.org with any questions, concerns, and/or ideas.

DEI Feedback Form
 

Collaboration & Partnership

Organizations we partner with in Equity work include:

A Better Chance
Breakthrough Summerbridge
Next Generation Scholars

Resources

Below are just some of the many books, articles, podcasts, and organizations our community has found to be of help in striving for a more racially and socially just world. Please contact us with additional suggestions. 

Explore ways to talk with children about race and racism and understand what we can all do in support of racial and social justice.

Read books and articles together as a family to support conversations on race, racism, and resistance.

Speak up when you are witness to an injustice or some form of racism. Silence only serves to support and promote deplorable acts.

Volunteering in diverse settings can help build a cultural competency and build a more inclusive society. Consider local opportunities that can build relationships and support people in need.

Educate yourself through the eyes of those most impacted: