Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, composed of administrators, faculty, staff, and students, meets monthly to set and track progress on strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion related priorities. This group was established Summer 2022 out of the Board of Trustees commissioned Task Force (2015). The DEI Council has identified five priorities for activating Whitfield’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These priorities each include short-term, mid-range, and long-term objectives and action items, many of which build upon previous and ongoing work in this area. Setting these specific action items allows for us to better hold ourselves accountable for making impactful change. The DEI council commits to regular communication on the progress we are making. If you would like to learn more about the specific action items for each priority and objective below, please contact Director of Equity & Inclusion, Anna Warbelow.

• Increase recruitment efforts for a diverse pool of candidates.

• Reduce potential for bias in the hiring process with consistent procedures and training.

• Reduce potential for bias in the hiring process.

• Establish a clear incident reporting process.

• Define a response protocol for incidents of bias. 

• Educate the community on bias incidents and the reporting and response process.

• Recognize and celebrate the cultures and identities of our diverse student body.

• Ensure all students are exposed to DEI concepts, have both “window and mirror” curricular moments, and have opportunities to practice cultural competence skills.

• Develop student leaders in Cultural Competence and Citizenship.

• Set and evaluate clear expectations for employee cultural competence. 

• Provide ongoing DEI professional development for faculty and staff.

• Expand parent education programs on DEI topics.

• Create opportunities for both affinity gatherings and all-community events focused on building community across differences. 

• Ensure prospective parents are informed of the diversity of the student body and DEI values, priorities, and programming.

Whitfield Affinity Groups are student clubs for students who share an identity, background, or affiliation. These facilitated groups enable students to explore and reflect on their own identity, to celebrate shared culture and traditions, and to discuss common experiences, needs, and challenges. Affinity groups also offer an opportunity for mentorship, support, and community building.

Learn more about Student Affinity Groups

The goal of Real Talk is to promote authentic and open conversations about real world issues. It is an opportunity for students to build cultural competence and empathy. These conversations are led by trained Real Talk Facilitators in Advisories.

The Student Diversity Council, a student founded and led group, works to raise awareness about and celebrate the diversity in the Whitefield Community. They help support  and encourage collaboration between affinity groups and design programming for the student body. Student Diversity Council members meet regularly with the Director of Equity and Inclusion to discuss any issues or concerns that arise among students related to diversity, equity, or inclusion.

The Habits of Mind & Heart Curriculum used in Advisory helps students understand their strengths of character and the contribution this understanding makes to their personal growth, as well as to their local, national, and global communities. All of the habits, particularly cultural competence, ethical conduct, and citizenship, intersect with the lessons of equity and inclusion. Through age-appropriate activities and discussions in Advisory, students build skills and knowledge around such topics as developing empathy, understanding privilege, making connections across difference, and exploring personal and social identity.

Whitfield celebrates and observes a range of national holidays, religious holidays, and special recognition months and days tied to heritage, culture, and social awareness movements. Observing these dates with celebrations and educational experiences provides opportunities for all members of our community to celebrate their own cultures, deepen their sense of belonging, and learn more about traditions, histories, and the current experiences of our diverse Whitfield communities, ultimately building their cultural competence. Examples include an annual Black History Month assembly, Holi color throwing celebration, Hispanic Heritage Month assembly, special book displays in the library, and guest speakers.

In addition to the many in-school programs, students wishing to further explore topics of equity, inclusion, and social justice have several opportunities throughout their time at Whitfield to attend off-campus events, including the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference as well as local speakers and workshops.

A critical component of Whitfield’s commitment to equity and inclusion is ongoing professional development for faculty and staff. Throughout the year there are multiple opportunities (both required and optional) for faculty and staff to build cultural competencies and to deepen understanding and develop skills around issues of identity, bias, and creating inclusive classrooms. All Faculty and Staff are currently engaging in both individual and group work around the Intercultural Development Inventory, a widely-used program in both education and business.

Faculty and staff regularly participate in local, regional, and national conferences and workshops on equity and inclusion, including annual participation in the NAIS People of Color Conference.