Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
DEIJ work is a wholehearted commitment at the Waldorf School of Philadelphia. As an institution and individuals, we are excited by—and making the most of—the opportunities for growth and change that we are being called to today.
A transformative process
The Waldorf School of Philadelphia is in a process of transformation. Our intention is to better represent the diversity of our city, and actively foster a learning environment that celebrates diversity, offers equity, promotes inclusion, and works toward justice.
Our Commitment
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) is a journey that unfolds in the present, with consideration of the past and commitment to the future. We take seriously our responsibility to interrogate ourselves and the world around us. This means addressing harm both locally and globally to create the future we want for our students. The trajectories we envision for our community require holding harmful historical realities in the light and addressing the ongoing impact of these realities, honestly. This process is ongoing.
We work consistently and actively to celebrate the uniqueness that every individual brings to our community. We strive to cultivate an environment in which every student can grow. Diversity is honored at our school.
Equity at the Waldorf School of Philadelphia is created out of a willingness to serve each student in all their uniqueness, and adapt school life, culture, policies, and procedures to increase access to our school.
We honor the perspectives and experiences of all people. We strive to grow alongside our families and the world, to create a culture of inclusivity.
Our commitment to justice stems from a growth mindset. We stand committed to informing ourselves and consider it our responsibility to repair harm where harm has been done, providing avenues for just action to unfold.
In addition, we have adopted the position statements of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and adhere to the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) Non-Discriminatory Policy as to Students.
Our Process
Equity Audit
Responding to our community's call to action, the Waldorf School of Philadelphia began an equity audit in November 2020. This individual and community reflection process, sparked by a call to action from a group of concerned parents of color, pointed to an urgent need to develop a deeper understanding of racism and inequity and hold our school culture to a higher standard, using a DEIJ lens. The recommendation of an independent consultant became the scaffolding for our current structured approach to DEIJ culture-building. We have expanded this to include working groups and continued auditing through NAIS, Assessments of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism.
DEIJ Coursework
In the 2021-22 school year, faculty, staff, and board members are engaging in DEIJ coursework with Alma Partners. The objectives for Fulfilling Our Promise: Becoming Inclusive Waldorf Communities include building a shared language around DEIJ, in order to develop a diverse, anti-racist, anti-bias curriculum and ensure that our community is a place where everyone belongs.
In the Classroom
Our students are our connection to the future and provide crucial feedback for our community around the need to grow and change. Students engage in DEIJ work in their classrooms, with curriculum led by the Director of DEIJ and our Learning Support Coordinator. These classroom conversations encourage self-advocacy and guide our students toward recognition that they are leaders in this work.
Learn how diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are woven into our curriculum.
Resources
Many parents are looking for resources for talking about racial justice at this dynamic moment in the history of our country. Please visit our page of Anti-Racism Resources for Parents.
Join Our Work
This work is rooted in collaboration, through open communication. Do not hesitate to reach out to Taylor Hickman, our Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, at hickmant@phillywaldorf.com.
Support DEIJ at Philly Waldorf
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion designation of the Annual Fund is an unrestricted gift to allow our school to expand and evolve diversity, equity, and inclusion programming and services. Make a gift to the Annual Fund today by clicking here.