Windward School Diversity Statement

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WINDWARD S C H O O L

DIVERSITY STATEMENT Windward School’s commitment to diversity is an integral part of its educational fabric, inextricably linked to the mission of the School. Windward School is determined to create a welcoming community that embraces diversity and encourages students to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the diverse world they will inherit.

At all times, Windward School strives to: • appreciate and celebrate the origin and individuality of each member of the school community; • respect the innate dignity of each person, which is clearly reflected in the School’s curriculum and co-curriculum; • instill in its students a clear sense of self and a clear understanding of their present and future responsibilities as educated members of our global community; • imbue students with the notion that they learn, work, live and play in a world populated by individuals and groups of varying race, ethnicity, religion and resources, as well as varied learning styles, physical abilities and sexual orientations; • offer an inclusive, multicultural curriculum that nurtures independence and individual growth and helps prepare each student to continue in higher education; • encourage every member of the community to actively participate in respectful and inclusive social interaction.

We hope that as a consequence of Windward’s commitment to diversity, our graduates regard learning as a lifetime process and, throughout the process, strive to enhance their intellectual, moral and ethical reasoning. A Windward education instills in our graduates a sense of respect for themselves and all others.

Alesia Young Diversity Coordinator Windward School 11350 Palms Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 391-7127, ext. 303 Ayoung@windwardschool.org

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS Student Diversity Group Inspired by its predecessor HIR (Honesty, Integrity, Respect), Windward’s Student Diversity Group began in 2003 with a handful of dedicated students and faculty mentor. Within this short time, the group has grown in number and grown to represent the very diversity we each seek to explore and celebrate. The group seeks to: • involve students in a process of defining who they are as individuals and establishing a clear identity for the group through discussion and programming; • serve as a support system and outlet; • supply leadership opportunities for all students who express an interest in issues surrounding diversity.

Diversity enters into every facet of education and with this in mind the Student Diversity Group offers many opportunities for students to explore various interests, some of which include: Gay/Straight Alliance, MIX IT UP/ TOOLS FOR TOLERANCE, and Equality Summit.

Faculty Reading Group There are many reasons for exploring diversity in schools, and as educators we must be willing to do a personal excavation and education of self before we are able to successfully implement new thinking, new methods, and new material into our classrooms. The Faculty Reading Group recognizes: • diversity is a thriving discussion with ongoing, up-to-date research and writings that are crucial to our growth; • a desire for more active engagement in intellectual discourse among the faculty; • the need to supplement, support, and provide a fuller sense of purpose and direction to our actions in areas of diversity.

Group has covered such material as Brown: The Last Discovery of America, The Silenced Dialogue:Power and Pedagogy in Educating Other People’s Children, Queer Kids: The Challenges and Promisefor Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth, and more.

Diversity Series Windward School is located in Los Angeles, a sophisticated metropolitan area with a rich, diverse history.

Students, parents, faculty, and staff are encouraged to explore the city’s rich heritage. At the same time, Windward provides the School community with a host of guest speakers and artists to further bring about a level of consciousness and appreciation.

Windward has had the privilege of welcoming some of the most prominent diversity consultants, authors, performing artists, and more of our day providing professional development for faculty, student awareness, and parent education.