Broadwater Academy this week sent out a message regarding the schools commitment to diversity. The letter is published below:
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
June 17, 2020
Dear Broadwater Academy Community Members,
Recent events around the country remind us of the important work we still need to do with regard to diversity, equity and inclusion. Many of our neighbors and friends, particularly our African American families, are hurting, anxious, afraid and saddened by these difficult and concerning incidents.
While we strive to build a community in which our commitment to equity and inclusion for all individuals is evidenced not only by our core values, but also by our everyday actions and our interactions with one another, we recognize that there is more work to be done. And while we must acknowledge the past, it is important that we look forward together, develop meaningful strategies to address these issues, and to work to make Broadwater and our broader community better.
We resolve to expand our commitment to improve our school, our community and our world through education and actions so that every individual, regardless of the color of their skin or other differences, feels safe, respected, valued and connected to those around them. We will do this by setting an intentional board strategy that includes board training, reviews of all policies and procedures and the effects they have on our underserved communities, enhanced professional development for staff and faculty, enriched curriculum and our approaches to recruitment and retention of students, faculty and board trustees. We will also reach out and ask our broader community to help us in this endeavor.
As such, we are publishing a joint statement on diversity, equity and inclusion which can be found here on page 3.
We are also here to support families struggling with how to engage in conversations, particularly with our children, around race, tolerance, prejudice in light of the recent events. It is important that we have honest, open conversations and listen in order to move forward in a positive manner for justice and human dignity for all.
Below you will find a list of a few resources if you need help with conversations at home and within our communities. A list of other resources surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion that were compiled by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools may be found on the school’s website.
About the Author
LOL! This used to be the ‘whitest’ school on The Shore. My parents sent me there for the simple reason that there were no black children enrolled, so did many others.
You are right, I think the first kids of color to be enrolled there were named Carter or Cooper, or Clarke and that was in the late late 90’s.
When did this change?
When did what change?