Lack of Diversity in Potomac School Administration

[Anonymous]

We have essentially the same situation at our independent school. There is some diversity among staff, but leadership is all white male. I haven't had a specific issue with it, but recognize and I hope they do too, that it is not ideal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it the new thing America to pretend that race isn't a huge factor in diversity? If the administration lacks diversity. It the student body does not, that is a problem. 7 Dont want my AA son thinking that the only people good enough for top positions are White men, gay or not.

+1

[Anonymous]

All white male leadership is a problem at an independent school even if the teaching staff is diverse and the student body is diverse. Actually I would say this is a recipe for disaster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is not right. We should be judging people by the content of their character, their ability, and their commitment, not skin color.

-Signed Minority Potomac Parent.

You KNOW anyone signing themselves as a minority while attempting to invoke MLK is not Black or marginalized in any way.

[Anonymous]

I would also look at diversity of teachers and other leaders, such as Trustees. In fairness, i think this is an issue many schools are facing, I would be looking also for examples a commitment to diversity in other ways.

[Anonymous]

Interesting... Langley's HOS is a woman and so are our heads of primary and lower (African American woman).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was looking at Potomac's website and was struck by the lack of diversity of Potomac's senior admin -- it is pretty striking for independent schools in this day and age:

Head of School: white male
Director of Admissions: white male
Upper School Head (interim) and Associate Head of School: white male
Middle School Head: white male
Lower School Head: white female
Director of College Counseling: White male

So, of the five most senior positions: 100% white, 80% male
If you throw in Director of College Counseling, it's 100% white and 84% male.

Wow. That's really striking. I know Potomac talks about Diversity on it website but they don't model it in their administration.

Should they fire some people to make room for minorities?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it the new thing America to pretend that race isn't a huge factor in diversity? If the administration lacks diversity. It the student body does not, that is a problem. 7 Dont want my AA son thinking that the only people good enough for top positions are White men, gay or not.

Gayness cancels out white maleness. You really need to get with the program. I'd say the problem is that gay is only one factor - you want at least two diversity factors for a top job. Female latina, gay AA, something like that. That's a two-fer. Better yet, a three bagger like lesbian latina female. Those are the best. Cause the color of your skin or who you sleep with is directly tied to how well you can run a school.

[Anonymous]

I am looking for a school with a Gay, Female, African-American head. Any suggestions? GDS? Maret? Field? This is serious. My partner and I want to make sure our son has appropriate role models.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it the new thing America to pretend that race isn't a huge factor in diversity? If the administration lacks diversity. It the student body does not, that is a problem. 7 Dont want my AA son thinking that the only people good enough for top positions are White men, gay or not.

Gayness cancels out white maleness. You really need to get with the program. I'd say the problem is that gay is only one factor - you want at least two diversity factors for a top job. Female latina, gay AA, something like that. That's a two-fer. Better yet, a three bagger like lesbian latina female. Those are the best. Cause the color of your skin or who you sleep with is directly tied to how well you can run a school.

You know, PP, I think you're onto something.

I know someone who -- and I'm not making this up -- is a transgendered 65 year old female-formerly-male mixed race Republican ex-Catholic turned Hindu Southerner raised in an urban area partially disabled former athlete childless individual.

Should I encourage this person to apply for a position at Potomac?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was looking at Potomac's website and was struck by the lack of diversity of Potomac's senior admin -- it is pretty striking for independent schools in this day and age:

Head of School: white male
Director of Admissions: white male
Upper School Head (interim) and Associate Head of School: white male
Middle School Head: white male
Lower School Head: white female
Director of College Counseling: White male

So, of the five most senior positions: 100% white, 80% male
If you throw in Director of College Counseling, it's 100% white and 84% male.

Wow. That's really striking. I know Potomac talks about Diversity on it website but they don't model it in their administration.

Should they fire some people to make room for minorities?

Are you a Potomac parent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Potomac's student body and teaching staff is incredibly diverse.

Is that some kind of joke? The school is overwhelming populated with rich white kids. Compared to some other PRIVATE schools, Potomac is diverse. But the statement alone is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

I just love when White people jump up to undermine a discussion on diversity. No one said anything about firing someone or hiring someone JUST because they fit in a minority category. The point being made is when a school tours itself as diverse, the staff, administration and student body should reflect that. The only people threatened by the idea are White people who feel their hold on society slipping -- chances are you also think America needs to be great "again."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just love when White people jump up to undermine a discussion on diversity. No one said anything about firing someone or hiring someone JUST because they fit in a minority category. The point being made is when a school tours itself as diverse, the staff, administration and student body should reflect that. The only people threatened by the idea are White people who feel their hold on society slipping -- chances are you also think America needs to be great "again."

I know a minority student who was recruited for Potomac. Cynical does not even describe it. Wealthy white parents picking out their kid's favorite black friend to go to the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just love when White people jump up to undermine a discussion on diversity. No one said anything about firing someone or hiring someone JUST because they fit in a minority category. The point being made is when a school tours itself as diverse, the staff, administration and student body should reflect that. The only people threatened by the idea are White people who feel their hold on society slipping -- chances are you also think America needs to be great "again."

Maybe its because no one knows what the so-called benefits of "Diversity" are.