Diversity

Where is Meridian School in its Diversity Journey?

By Yaneth Vrentas
Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs

The beginning of a new academic year opens the door to reflection and projection: reflection about the work done and projection about the opportunities and possibilities that the future offers. I would like to take this opportunity to review our Meridian work on diversity to date, and the possibilities that our diversity plan brings.

First of all, understanding the definition of diversity at Meridian is crucial to ensure that we all broaden our perspective and awareness of the diversity we already bring and have at our school. When we talk about diversity at Meridian, we are talking about diversity of identity and thought. "Diversity of thought means the different ways people look at, think about, and interpret the world. This may include a variety of beliefs, creeds, styles of communication, political persuasion, and learning abilities." And "Diversity of identity means the characteristics by which we self-identify or by which others may define us. These characteristics may include age, country of birth, ethnicity, family structure, gender, gender expression, physical ability, physical appearance, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, and socio-economic circumstances." (See Diversity Statement)

Using parents and staff input, the Board Diversity Committee formed by members of the Board and the administration, created the Diversity Statement in 2008 followed by the Diversity Plan in 2009. Even though the implementation of the diversity plan starts this fall, for the past three years, the school has been already moving forward in its diversity initiatives through professional development, curriculum, assemblies, and parent forums among other means. Our faculty is incorporating diversity conversations into the curriculum through programs such as character education, global studies, and service learning. They are also integrating diversity into regular classroom curriculum expanding units such as family structure in Kindergarten and family history in 5th grade. In our student assemblies we have celebrated diversity through our global studies program and we have also hosted youth theater productions that teach about diversity and foster acceptance and respect. We have invited speakers such as LueRachelle Atkins, Gary Howard, and members of the Anti-Defamation League to facilitate conversations with staff and parents. Several members of our staff have also attended local and national workshops and conferences on diversity. Furthermore, the administration team has included a diversity lens on staffing, admissions, marketing, and development, creating awareness of our responsibilities to our local and global community.

Rooted in our seven Diversity Statement Commitments, our plan presents guidelines regarding our institutional structure, communication, curriculum, community environment, accessibility of our educational program, employment practices, professional development, and the school’s culture. To learn more about the Diversity Plan, please go to our website at http://www.meridianschool.edu/?page=diversity_plan. We will be updating the website as we progress in order to keep you informed about the implementation process.

We believe that diversity of thought and identity enriches the learning experiences of our students. As articulated in our Diversity Statement, "We believe that the challenges of our world require culturally-competent, well-rounded, critical-thinking individuals who are prepared to be responsible and active global citizens; that diversity brings perspectives and authentic experiences central to an education that balances the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children; and, that a school community and learning environment that is inclusive and more diverse will promote a deeper understanding of varying points of view, and will fuel innovation, creativity, and progressive change."