Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Ashwood Waldorf School stands with the movement to end structural and systemic racism, injustice, and bigotry. We are taking immediate steps to educate ourselves to be better allies in the struggle for justice and equality, and we invite all those who wish to join us in this critical endeavor.

Our current initiatives include:

  • Teacher education: Ongoing, facilitated, anti-racist training for teachers and administrators; ongoing in-house faculty study
  • Curriculum renewal: Ongoing re-examination and reframing of our curriculum to honor the voices, faces, and perspectives of marginalized people and societies; pursuing additional book resources for our student and teacher libraries that reflect a diversity of people, views, and life experiences.
  • Speaking up: Working with Teaching Tolerance standards to help students and teachers fearlessly speak up when they witness hateful or ignorant speech or acts.

Videos

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The Danger of the Single story
This short video is extremely accessible and can apply to so many things in life. It is presented by an exceptional author and gives the viewer many reference points and analogies that will serve when engaging with others about race and diversity.

The Enduring Myth of Black Criminality by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehesi Coates is one of the most prolific authors and academics on race. In this short animation, he presents a no-nonsense look at incarceration. There are many resources available by this author. This is just a glimpse.

Podcasts

Fare of the Free Child
This is a beautiful resource for Black families who strive to raise/educate their children without the anti-black influences that pervade society. Very uplifting and focuses on wellness for those who are facing the trauma of oppression. 

Articles

Here are several thoughtful articles for parents who want to explore the ways they can engage with their children about race:

NPR: How white parents can talk to their kids about race and Why all parents should talk to their kids about social identity

PBS kids for parents: Teaching your child about Black History

Ashwood’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging & Racial Justice

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Reading List for Students