Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity
We care deeply about equity, inclusivity, and diversity, and we’re committed to empowering our students to, in the words of our Mission Statement, “become ethical, responsible and engaged members of ever wider communities.”
How does Menlo define diversity?
Menlo School is committed to being a heterogeneous and inclusive community. We believe students are better educated and prepared to succeed when the School community—students, families, faculty, administration, and staff—is diverse and inclusive. Diversity benefits the entire community by providing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We embrace a broad definition of diversity: an inclusive community comprised of people with different racial, cultural, economic and religious backgrounds, as well as different gender identities and sexual orientations. In addition, we support students with a wide variety of interests, talents, physical abilities, personalities, and politics.
Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity Committee (EIDC): Charge to the Committee
The Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity Committee’s goal is to create a more inclusive community in all realms of the School, grounded in respect and appreciation for individual differences. The Committee seeks to provide programs and resources that enhance knowledge and encourage understanding of inclusivity. The Committee strives to provide leadership, dialogue, and resources for faculty, students, and families. The impetus for this work has come from every part of our community.
We aim to address the following questions:
- How do we measure growth? In what ways do we live our stated commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity?
- How does Menlo demonstrate that diversity = excellence?
- How do we move our school toward diversity work as both an institutional moral imperative and an integral academic skill set?
- Equity and Justice is a focus on empowerment of and co-ownership by the committee in building and sustaining diversity and inclusivity.
- Diversity is the fabric of our community. It is defined by “otherness.” Most obviously, it is determined by race, gender and/or culture. On a more subtle level, it includes class, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and appearance.
- Inclusivity is achieved by building and sustaining our community through policies, programs, and practices.
Diversity and Inclusion Staffing 2018-2019
In 2019, Menlo welcomed Keith Wheeler as its new Chief of Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In addition, several teachers and administrators are involved in the School’s Diversity mission:
- Diversity Committee Chair: Cathy Chen
- Strategic planning: Alison Park (consultant), Cathy Chen
- Student Programs: Alison Park, Cathy Chen, La Vina Lowery
- Student Affinity Groups (US): Frances Ferrell
- Parent Affinity Groups: Roger Zamora, La Vina Lowery
- Professional Development: Alison Park
- Hiring: Carmen Borbon, Roger Zamora, La Vina Lowery
- Freshman Seminar: Jake Fauver, Carmen Borbon
- Student Diversity Leadership Conference & People of Color Conference: Frances Ferrell
- Admissions Outreach: Roger Zamora
Menlo School does not discriminate or condone discrimination against any member of the School community on any basis, including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religious creed, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, physical or mental disability, genetic information, genetic characteristics, marital status, citizenship, immigration status, primary language, veteran or military service status, and all other legally protected characteristics in any of its policies, procedures or practices. This nondiscriminatory policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, the School’s programs and activities.