Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan

Park is a community that embraces and respects differences in age, ethnicity, gender identity, learning styles, national origin, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class. United by a shared mission, we strive to be a community that respects the dignity of all people. 

At Park, we deeply value diversity, equity, and inclusion. The cornerstone of Park’s program is academic excellence, affirming high standards of scholarship while encouraging each child to develop to their greatest potential. Students learn most effectively when they feel a deep sense of belonging, when they feel safe, known, and respected in their environment, and when they learn from the differences in backgrounds and perspectives shared within their learning community as curious critical thinkers.

On September 29, 2020, The Park School Board of Trustees approved and endorsed Park’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan, the result of a yearlong collaboration amongst trustees, administrators, employees, and families. The DEIIP is grounded in the findings of the 2018 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Quantitative Assessment of Inclusion and Multiculturalism and the 2019 Diversity Directions Qualitative Assessment of School Climate for Multiculturalism and Inclusion.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan (DEIIP) is an active, living document, serving as an accountability measure as our DEI goals continue to move from aspiration to reality. Through this action-based plan, we strive to demonstrate our commitment through our leadership, curriculum, programs, practices, and in every aspect of our community and culture. Together, we will work to ensure that all members of the Park community — students, families, employees, alumni, and trustees — feel a deep sense of belonging. 

Priorities

The DEIIP's ongoing work stretches out over the current and upcoming academic years. Immediate, Rising, and Future priorities are sequenced based on a) which priorities demand most urgent attention, and b) which priorities will be built on the work outlined in priorities sequenced earlier. All are considered vital to the School's mission. As priorities are addressed they move to "In Practice."

In Practice

Since launching the plan in Fall 2020, a number of initiatives undertaken have been completed and established as part of Park's core practices in each of the four defined areas of work. Please find updates about the forward movement of the DEIIP below. 

  • The DEIIP launched 37 initiatives in 2020
  • Of the 37 initiatives, 21 are considered "In Practice"
  • Four initiatives are "Immediate Priorities" during the 2022-2023 academic year
  • 12 initiatives remain in the "Rising" and "Future" categories 
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Project Leads 

The work of the DEI Implementation Plan is deeply collaborative and touches every area of school life. In addition to the Head of School and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, project leads include: All members of the Senior Administration Team, All members of the Board of Trustees, Division Heads, Assistant Division Heads, DEI Liaisons, Director of Human Resources, Director of Academic Support, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Director of Secondary School Counseling, Director of Instructional Practice, Director of Alumni Relations, and PA Chair and Co-chair. 

DEI News

Introducing the DEIIP Steering Committee

To help guide the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan, Park has created a Steering Committee to help support and monitor the DEI Implementation Plan and timeline, and support efforts to communicate progress. The Steering Committee is composed of members of the current campus community drawn from Park administration, faculty, staff, parents, and members of the Board of Trustees.