Who We Are » Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

 
State College Friends School prohibits discrimination and harassment against any member of the School community on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, sex, personal appearance, genetic information, economic background, political affiliation, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
 

At State College Friends School, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community, which ensures that all students, faculty, staff, and community members are seen and heard; which nurtures self-reflection; and which affirms all identities. We commit to creating and maintaining an actively anti-racist, anti-bias school environment that enables students and families of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and socio-economic backgrounds to become their most empowered and authentic selves.

 Affirming these identities is foundational to establishing all students’ sense of belonging–a necessity for a vigorous learning environment. Furthermore, developing empathy and respect for others enables students to become agents of change, to support voices that are often ignored, and to work for equity and justice in our communities and in the larger world. 

 Our Quaker testimonies of community, equity, peace, and stewardship call all members of our community to learn about diversity and our collective history of inequity, as well as to dismantle systems of injustice in order to replace them with peaceful and equitable practices. As educators, we seek to provide a culturally responsive curriculum at all developmental levels and to address situations of implicit and explicit bias that occur within our community. We do so by intentionally designing and reevaluating our curriculum, facilitating honest and emotionally responsible conversations, and conducting respectful community outreach. We strive to create an environment in which all members of the community are open to self-examination, recognizing that the discomfort accompanying this work pales in comparison to the tangible injustices of our past and present society. It is crucial that we all work together to actively participate in the creation of a more just world.

The charge of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Committee is to promote and advance DEIJ principles within the school community. The committee's work includes reviewing policies, programs, and initiatives that promote DEIJ and ensuring that all school community members feel valued, respected, and included. The committee plays a critical role in partnering with the external community for the purpose of educating students, families, and staff. The committee will also hold the school accountable for any explicit and implicit bias found in its own systems, policies, or history, and will address those challenges as they arise. 

 

The committee's charge aligns with the school's community, equity, peace, and stewardship testimonies.

Community: The committee's work is essential to create a welcoming and inclusive community where all members feel valued and supported. The committee fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration and mutual respect among community members.

Equity: The committee's focus on addressing barriers to full participation in and thriving in  school demonstrates SCFS's belief in all individuals' inherent worth and equality. The committee strives to create a more equitable and just school community.

Peace: The committee's work is crucial for creating a peaceful school environment, where all members can learn, grow, and thrive without fear of discrimination or bias. 

Stewardship: The committee's work is aligned with our school's commitment to stewardship and responsibility for the world around us. The committee recognizes the responsibility of the school community to create a more equitable and just society and to advocate for the rights of marginalized individuals both within and outside of the school.

DEIJ Committee Members