All Girls Schools with strong commitment to DEI?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter currently goes to Holton and our family was drawn there in large part because of its commitment to DEI and its impressive seminar program focused on developing students who will be empathetic, critical thinkers with a strong sense of their own identity.

Unfortunately, under new leadership, Holton’s re-enrollment contracts no longer explicitly name DEI as a priority. Instead, all the places where DEI had been named last year have now been replaced with vague reference to Holton’s “values.” I’ve reached out to the school to get a better understanding of what this change means for programming, but there have been other signals along the way that lead me to believe I’ll be disappointed in the response.

I come to this forum not to debate the merits of DEI in schools or even whether or not Holton is abandoning their commitment. Instead, I’m here to figure out what my options are in a short window of time before contracts are binding on May 31. Are there any girls schools with a strong reputation for DEI? I’ve got GDS, Burke and Sidwell in mind if co-ed is my best route, so open to other coed recommendations too. My daughter is in Middle School, so Madeira is not an option yet. Thanks!

NCS for sure. Ask admissions to speak with current families.

See other posts on the forum about NCS. There is a side you will not hear about from the people admissions uses to sell you on the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The OP seems to have a dogged agenda determined to critique, undermine and sour the reputation of the new HoS at Holton. I find it strange that one thread that has gone on for weeks wasn't enough. Instead, to now start a new one with a thinly veiled subtext appears more like a personal vendetta than a legitimate attempt at information gathering. As a new family at Holton - with perhaps no institutional knowledge of how things "used to be" - we've seen our daughter integrate seamlessly, be challenged academically and enjoy all of the fantastic school traditions. But perhaps more important is that she has befriended girls of every color, religion, culture and background. It's clear that the school fosters, on the daily, an environment of inclusion, mutual respect and openness. Why can't we adults simply respect the organic nature of diversity. And understand that sometimes change at the top isn't a bad thing.

That culture you appreciate now took time, dedication, and skill to cultivate. The Holton of the 80s was not this place. While there will hopefully not be drastic change, you have to acknowledge that if faculty are undermined and unsupported and students' needs are not addressed, then the culture you love will change.

Absolutely agree. I don't know if we love the culture yet. Daughter has only been there this school year. We do certainly appreciate Holton so far and have had nothing but positive (albeit superficial interactions with the Hos). The point of my post was just that what I've observed so far - and what my daughter has experienced - has all been positive. Though my DD is white, she has always been friends with kids/girls of all backgrounds, races, faiths, cultures. I like to think most kids are color-blind. Mine definitely is. She is very attuned to issues related to race and prejudice and would report back to me if she observed anything that concerned her. Whether that be dynamics among girls, interactions between teachers and students, statements made by peers or teachers, etc. And NO, I'm not part of the administration. Just a parent who is grateful to see my daughter thrive at a girls school after being at a middling co-ed environment where bullying, unaddressed racist social media posts among students, a tone-deaf administration, and a sport-heavy bro culture were the norm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The OP seems to have a dogged agenda determined to critique, undermine and sour the reputation of the new HoS at Holton. I find it strange that one thread that has gone on for weeks wasn't enough. Instead, to now start a new one with a thinly veiled subtext appears more like a personal vendetta than a legitimate attempt at information gathering. As a new family at Holton - with perhaps no institutional knowledge of how things "used to be" - we've seen our daughter integrate seamlessly, be challenged academically and enjoy all of the fantastic school traditions. But perhaps more important is that she has befriended girls of every color, religion, culture and background. It's clear that the school fosters, on the daily, an environment of inclusion, mutual respect and openness. Why can't we adults simply respect the organic nature of diversity. And understand that sometimes change at the top isn't a bad thing.

That culture you appreciate now took time, dedication, and skill to cultivate. The Holton of the 80s was not this place. While there will hopefully not be drastic change, you have to acknowledge that if faculty are undermined and unsupported and students' needs are not addressed, then the culture you love will change.

Absolutely agree. I don't know if we love the culture yet. Daughter has only been there this school year. We do certainly appreciate Holton so far and have had nothing but positive (albeit superficial interactions with the Hos). The point of my post was just that what I've observed so far - and what my daughter has experienced - has all been positive. Though my DD is white, she has always been friends with kids/girls of all backgrounds, races, faiths, cultures. I like to think most kids are color-blind. Mine definitely is. She is very attuned to issues related to race and prejudice and would report back to me if she observed anything that concerned her. Whether that be dynamics among girls, interactions between teachers and students, statements made by peers or teachers, etc. And NO, I'm not part of the administration. Just a parent who is grateful to see my daughter thrive at a girls school after being at a middling co-ed environment where bullying, unaddressed racist social media posts among students, a tone-deaf administration, and a sport-heavy bro culture were the norm.

I know you mean well, but being "color blind" and denying each individual's cultural heritage is not actually a positive. Our racial and ethnic ide tities enrich our identities. You should not need to be blind to them or deny them to make friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The OP seems to have a dogged agenda determined to critique, undermine and sour the reputation of the new HoS at Holton. I find it strange that one thread that has gone on for weeks wasn't enough. Instead, to now start a new one with a thinly veiled subtext appears more like a personal vendetta than a legitimate attempt at information gathering. As a new family at Holton - with perhaps no institutional knowledge of how things "used to be" - we've seen our daughter integrate seamlessly, be challenged academically and enjoy all of the fantastic school traditions. But perhaps more important is that she has befriended girls of every color, religion, culture and background. It's clear that the school fosters, on the daily, an environment of inclusion, mutual respect and openness. Why can't we adults simply respect the organic nature of diversity. And understand that sometimes change at the top isn't a bad thing.

That culture you appreciate now took time, dedication, and skill to cultivate. The Holton of the 80s was not this place. While there will hopefully not be drastic change, you have to acknowledge that if faculty are undermined and unsupported and students' needs are not addressed, then the culture you love will change.

Absolutely agree. I don't know if we love the culture yet. Daughter has only been there this school year. We do certainly appreciate Holton so far and have had nothing but positive (albeit superficial interactions with the Hos). The point of my post was just that what I've observed so far - and what my daughter has experienced - has all been positive. Though my DD is white, she has always been friends with kids/girls of all backgrounds, races, faiths, cultures. I like to think most kids are color-blind. Mine definitely is. She is very attuned to issues related to race and prejudice and would report back to me if she observed anything that concerned her. Whether that be dynamics among girls, interactions between teachers and students, statements made by peers or teachers, etc. And NO, I'm not part of the administration. Just a parent who is grateful to see my daughter thrive at a girls school after being at a middling co-ed environment where bullying, unaddressed racist social media posts among students, a tone-deaf administration, and a sport-heavy bro culture were the norm.

I know you mean well, but being "color blind" and denying each individual's cultural heritage is not actually a positive. Our racial and ethnic ide tities enrich our identities. You should not need to be blind to them or deny them to make friends.

I did mean well but your point is well-taken. Bad expression perhaps. My DD sees the person for who they are inside (which inherently includes culture/ethnicity), not the color of their skin. Appreciate the dialogue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The OP seems to have a dogged agenda determined to critique, undermine and sour the reputation of the new HoS at Holton. I find it strange that one thread that has gone on for weeks wasn't enough. Instead, to now start a new one with a thinly veiled subtext appears more like a personal vendetta than a legitimate attempt at information gathering. As a new family at Holton - with perhaps no institutional knowledge of how things "used to be" - we've seen our daughter integrate seamlessly, be challenged academically and enjoy all of the fantastic school traditions. But perhaps more important is that she has befriended girls of every color, religion, culture and background. It's clear that the school fosters, on the daily, an environment of inclusion, mutual respect and openness. Why can't we adults simply respect the organic nature of diversity. And understand that sometimes change at the top isn't a bad thing.

That culture you appreciate now took time, dedication, and skill to cultivate. The Holton of the 80s was not this place. While there will hopefully not be drastic change, you have to acknowledge that if faculty are undermined and unsupported and students' needs are not addressed, then the culture you love will change.

Absolutely agree. I don't know if we love the culture yet. Daughter has only been there this school year. We do certainly appreciate Holton so far and have had nothing but positive (albeit superficial interactions with the Hos). The point of my post was just that what I've observed so far - and what my daughter has experienced - has all been positive. Though my DD is white, she has always been friends with kids/girls of all backgrounds, races, faiths, cultures. I like to think most kids are color-blind. Mine definitely is. She is very attuned to issues related to race and prejudice and would report back to me if she observed anything that concerned her. Whether that be dynamics among girls, interactions between teachers and students, statements made by peers or teachers, etc. And NO, I'm not part of the administration. Just a parent who is grateful to see my daughter thrive at a girls school after being at a middling co-ed environment where bullying, unaddressed racist social media posts among students, a tone-deaf administration, and a sport-heavy bro culture were the norm.

I know you mean well, but being "color blind" and denying each individual's cultural heritage is not actually a positive. Our racial and ethnic ide tities enrich our identities. You should not need to be blind to them or deny them to make friends.

I did mean well but your point is well-taken. Bad expression perhaps. My DD sees the person for who they are inside (which inherently includes culture/ethnicity), not the color of their skin. Appreciate the dialogue.

Thanks for hearing me out! Our generation was taught to be "color-blind" and tolerant, but we've learned that there is much more needed for a truly functional and respectful society. Best wishes to your DD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I suggest you request to speak with persons at Holton direction. The Holton contract incorporates the handbook by reference. The handbook has a long section on DEI. I did not compare it with last year’s, but I understand that there were no changes in the DEI handbook section. I do not work for nor advise Holton, but it’s very possible taking out DEI was to shorten the contract since DEI is in the handbook. If you have concerns about the direction Holton is going, you should reach out to the division head. I have been at Holton a long time, and I have found most people to be receptive to answering questions and hearing feedback. But I would not pull your kid over an omission on a contract. It’s still in the handbook.

Thanks for explaining this. If true, what is all of the hoopla about?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The OP seems to have a dogged agenda determined to critique, undermine and sour the reputation of the new HoS at Holton. I find it strange that one thread that has gone on for weeks wasn't enough. Instead, to now start a new one with a thinly veiled subtext appears more like a personal vendetta than a legitimate attempt at information gathering. As a new family at Holton - with perhaps no institutional knowledge of how things "used to be" - we've seen our daughter integrate seamlessly, be challenged academically and enjoy all of the fantastic school traditions. But perhaps more important is that she has befriended girls of every color, religion, culture and background. It's clear that the school fosters, on the daily, an environment of inclusion, mutual respect and openness. Why can't we adults simply respect the organic nature of diversity. And understand that sometimes change at the top isn't a bad thing.

That culture you appreciate now took time, dedication, and skill to cultivate. The Holton of the 80s was not this place. While there will hopefully not be drastic change, you have to acknowledge that if faculty are undermined and unsupported and students' needs are not addressed, then the culture you love will change.

Absolutely agree. I don't know if we love the culture yet. Daughter has only been there this school year. We do certainly appreciate Holton so far and have had nothing but positive (albeit superficial interactions with the Hos). The point of my post was just that what I've observed so far - and what my daughter has experienced - has all been positive. Though my DD is white, she has always been friends with kids/girls of all backgrounds, races, faiths, cultures. I like to think most kids are color-blind. Mine definitely is. She is very attuned to issues related to race and prejudice and would report back to me if she observed anything that concerned her. Whether that be dynamics among girls, interactions between teachers and students, statements made by peers or teachers, etc. And NO, I'm not part of the administration. Just a parent who is grateful to see my daughter thrive at a girls school after being at a middling co-ed environment where bullying, unaddressed racist social media posts among students, a tone-deaf administration, and a sport-heavy bro culture were the norm.

I know you mean well, but being "color blind" and denying each individual's cultural heritage is not actually a positive. Our racial and ethnic ide tities enrich our identities. You should not need to be blind to them or deny them to make friends.

I am Black but I am pretty sure she means color blind in the sense that her daughter approaches her friendships without regard to color or racial background (so she does not discriminate). I understand what you mean about colorblind claims in general though but I don't think this is one of those statements that merits your response.

[Anonymous]

If you really cared about DEI, you'd be going to public school. Ideally a magnet in a low income neighborhood.

Focusing on DEI at a rich private school only shows you DEI is and always has just been a vanity project for the wealthy progressives. Which is why the beneficiaries of DEI are already affluent blacks. Not poor or middle class blacks (and probably explaining why Biden's polling is falling among this demographic).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you really cared about DEI, you'd be going to public school.

Complete non sequitur.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you really cared about DEI, you'd be going to public school. Ideally a magnet in a low income neighborhood.

Focusing on DEI at a rich private school only shows you DEI is and always has just been a vanity project for the wealthy progressives. Which is why the beneficiaries of DEI are already affluent blacks. Not poor or middle class blacks (and probably explaining why Biden's polling is falling among this demographic).

+100 Absolutely true. I see this white virtual signally at our private school. Some of the black students on full FA are clad in designer clothes, dropped off from Range Rovers and even a freaking Ferrari, live in +2m homes.

[Anonymous]

Why don't minorities with money add to diversity?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don't minorities with money add to diversity?

They do. They are the perfect diversity which is why they are so in demand. They can afford the school and they don't come with any of the issues that embracing socio economic diversity brings.

[Anonymous]

This assumes that the onus of bringing socioeconomic diversity falls upon minorities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you really cared about DEI, you'd be going to public school. Ideally a magnet in a low income neighborhood.

Focusing on DEI at a rich private school only shows you DEI is and always has just been a vanity project for the wealthy progressives. Which is why the beneficiaries of DEI are already affluent blacks. Not poor or middle class blacks (and probably explaining why Biden's polling is falling among this demographic).

+100 Absolutely true. I see this white virtual signally at our private school. Some of the black students on full FA are clad in designer clothes, dropped off from Range Rovers and even a freaking Ferrari, live in +2m homes.

I call BS on this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you really cared about DEI, you'd be going to public school. Ideally a magnet in a low income neighborhood.

Focusing on DEI at a rich private school only shows you DEI is and always has just been a vanity project for the wealthy progressives. Which is why the beneficiaries of DEI are already affluent blacks. Not poor or middle class blacks (and probably explaining why Biden's polling is falling among this demographic).

+100 Absolutely true. I see this white virtual signally at our private school. Some of the black students on full FA are clad in designer clothes, dropped off from Range Rovers and even a freaking Ferrari, live in +2m homes.

I call BS on this.

+1