Diversity, Equity, Inclusion… and Belonging

“For generations, girls’ schools have led the way as epicenters for dismantling a wide range of systemic injustices, from equal access to education to voting rights to closing the gender gap. While creating inclusive communities where diverse voices and experiences are heard and valued is a cornerstone of girls’ schools, there’s no denying we’re at a turning point in our history—not just as girls’ schools, but individually as nations and collectively as a world.” In this episode of PEP Talks: Podcast on Educational Possibilities, host Olivia Haas, Director of Strategic Communications & Media at NCGS, introduces the urgent need for school communities to build anti-racist spaces in which every member feels an equal sense of belonging. This episode unpacks four key terms—diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice—at the start of the episode before addressing an essential question: How do educators play a role in creating anti-racist, inclusive school communities? Olivia is joined by featured guests and educators, Melissa Brown, NCGS Trustee and the Director of Diversity, Wellbeing and Global Education at Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland in the United States located just outside of Washington, DC; and Deanne King, Head of School at St Mary’s School, Waverley in Johannesburg, South Africa. If you’re looking for insight into the world of girls’ education, anti-racism in school communities, and the role that leaders play in bringing about change, then this podcast is for you.