Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging - Francis Parker School
We are
one community
composed of
many families
representing a
broad range of viewpoints, cultures, and backgrounds
—we all learn from each other.
Academics & Co-Curriculars
Language, Culture, and Identity Week
Professional Development
Affinity & Alliance Groups
SEED Training
Pollyanna Conference
Board of Trustees Diversity Committee
JK to Grade 12 students can engage with DEIB through co-curricular student groups like Belonging Lab in the
Lower School
, Advocacy Room in the
Middle School
, and Equity Council in the
Upper School
. Upper School students can also select academic electives like
Social Justice
Class, Race, and Gender in the United States
; and
Ethnic Studies
In the spring, the Lower School celebrates Language, Culture, and Identity Week where students, families, and friends share their globally diverse backgrounds through cultural performances, interactive lessons, and an international food festival.
more
On professional development days, the DEIB team leads trainings on topics like racial literacy and cultural linguistic responsiveness. These trainings provide faculty and staff with the tools and resources to cultivate joy and belonging and to think critically about cultural frameworks, beliefs, and biases.
Affinity and Alliance Groups at Parker provide support for students as they explore identity development and bolster a feeling of belonging in our community. These groups include:
NIA - Black, African, Multiracial, and Transracial Adoptee students
SPEAK - First-generation, college-bound Latino students
LGBTQ+
ASU - Asian Student Union
MECCA - Middle Eastern Culture Club and Association
LASO - Latin American Student Association
GSA - Gender Sexuality Alliance
JTEEN - Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Network
Christian Club
Feminist Club
more
The National SEED Project
SM
is a peer-led professional development program that creates conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward greater equity and diversity. Parker supports faculty and staff in attending SEED training and applying their new knowledge in the classroom.
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Since 2019, Parker has hosted the annual Pollyanna Conference that aims to engage a diverse community of educational leaders to identify real-world strategies to support students in a diverse and global society. The one-day conference includes keynote speakers, workshops, and discussion opportunities.
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Parker’s Board of Trustees includes a standing Diversity Committee that provides strategic direction, curriculum, and initiative guidance to deepen the community’s commitment to belonging.
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