Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

Our Values

DEI Mission
Code of Conduct

DEI Mission

At West End Day School we are committed to promoting ongoing growth and education for the WEDS community on the global and personal impact of systemic racism. The intent of the task force is to provide opportunities and education where all voices can be heard in an open and safe space. As a school, we will not tolerate discrimination of any form based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. We strive to celebrate all differences that shape our community members and their collective identities and so we may continue to grow and learn together.

Code of Conduct

At West End Day School we believe all students, regardless of who they are, deserve a welcoming and challenging learning environment that supports our students and their unique learning styles
At West End Day School we believe in celebrating all differences that shape our community members and their collective identities and so we may continue to grow and learn together
At West End Day School we believe all children deserve a flexible atmosphere where positive behaviors and engagement with our community are celebrated
At West End Day School we believe the learning environment should represent all of our students and incorporate topics of race, socio-economic status, family composition, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical differences, disability, national and ethnic origin, and similarly recognized categories.
At West End Day School we believe in elevating student’s voices and promoting conversations that are inclusive and respectful of others
At West End Day School we do not tolerate discrimination of any form based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
At West End Day school we do not tolerate a lack of respect for others
At West End Day School we do not tolerate behavior or conduct that denies others their rights

West End Day School knows the importance of growth. We foster it in our students and inspire it within our staff; and in the past year we have realized the importance of examining our own growth and how we need to play a bigger role in addressing the long-standing racial inequities in our society. West End Day School began this important work by reflecting on what was missing from our Mission from a Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging standpoint.

Our first responsibility was to make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion a more central part of both our mission and curriculum. We began by incorporating Pollyanna, a Racial Literacy Curriculum, into our school. We chose Pollyanna as our guiding light, as its main Mission – developing stronger communities – is aligned with West End Day School’s own Mission. This Racial Literacy Curriculum addresses challenges through deep conversations and promotes the understanding that racial, socioeconomic, religious and sexual diversity enhances all elements of our schools. It gives our teachers a jumping off point for how to look at our curriculum through a different lens.

Our Action Plan

Emma Yovanoff, supervising social worker and now DEI Task Force Leader, leads our staff in an effort to continue the drive and necessity to more directly discuss racism, equality and justice in our school. The DEIB task force meets regularly to discuss and put into action the development of an anti-racist curriculum, further develop our own relationship to race, and continue to educate ourselves and our students.

See What We're Doing

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to join Dr. Clint Smith and the leaders and faculty members within the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) in a community conversation about Dr. Clint Smith’s #1 New York Times best seller.

Our Professional Development Day Was MORE Meaningful than Ever

Getting It Right From the Start: Age-Appropriate Sexuality Education in the Pre-School and Lower School Grades

"We're a Culture, Not a Costume"

We share this article from Education Week as a reminder that our choices- not matter how big or small- impact those around us.

Hispanic Heritage Month

See how WEDS celebrated the Latinx community this month

Building Bridges with Bolivia Walk-a-thon

West End Day School hosted a Walk-a-thon to raise funds for the children within the Alalay Foundation, in conjunction with our yearlong community building project.

Toffee and Sand...Just to Name a Few

"Why do we call skin white when it's not the same color as paper" and "that's not really black, it's a shade of brown". See how these comments and questions came up in Social Justice class.

We Stand Together. Stop AAPI Hate.

West End Day School will not perpetuate silence around racism and acts of violence. We stand together with the AAPI Community.

Stamped: Book Club Sessions from Our Oldest Students

Our oldest class, led by Mr. Afzaal, has been using the book, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, as a way to explore race and racism in a book club format.

How to Be an Antiracist School with Ibram X. Kendi

Professor Ibram X. Kendi responded to questions formulated by NYSAIS community members to help us see how we can become antiracist schools.

Pollyanna Racial Literacy Curriculum Parent/Guardian Companion Guide

This Parent/Guardian Companion Guide provides an overview of each unit featured in the curriculum and recommends questions and conversation starters to help you and your child discuss race, culture, and identity at home. It also provides suggestions for reading and viewing material to enhance racial literacy.