Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity Statement

As a community that is committed to valuing and supporting all identities and experiences, Pacific Ridge School strives to foster inclusivity and equity to prepare students for life in a diverse society.

 - crafted by students, administrators & trustees, 2019

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At Pacific Ridge, we value the unique perspectives and experiences within our community and believe that each elevates the learning experience for all. Over a third of Pacific Ridge students identify as people of color as defined by the National Association of Independent schools, and diversity is represented on our campus in many other ways. We provide a supportive environment in which students can explore their own understanding of gender, ability, race, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation, as well as notions of equity and justice.

Our Priorities

A key initiative in the 5-year Strategic Plan introduced in the fall of 2019 is to “Cultivate a diverse, empathetic, and inclusive community of learners by fostering a safe environment where all voices feel a sense of value and belonging.” The ten initiatives of this plan fall under three main priorities:

  • Build a trusting environment where all voices feel safe and valued; build an empathetic and inclusive community that nurtures a sense of belonging
  • Recognize and uplift diverse experiences and perspectives
  • Shape our individual and collective narratives to show that we value diversity and inclusion, hold ourselves accountable, and empower the community to uphold our ethical standards

DEI Action Plan

Definitions:

List of 3 items.

  • DIVERSITY

    The wide range of human characteristics used to mark or identify individual or group identities. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, and linguistic preferences. (The NAIS AIM Users Guide)

    Diversity acknowledges that people are different from each other; differences are neutral in the absence of bias. However, diversity does mean equity; instead, equity begets diversity. 

  • EQUITY

    A condition that balances two dimensions: fairness and inclusion. As a function of fairness, equity implies ensuring that people have what they need to participate in school and can reach their full potential. Dimensions of diversity such as ability, ethnicity, or socioeconomics should not be barriers. (Diversity Group Resources)

    With equity comes inclusion; equity ensures that all students have access to what they need to be successful and thrive at PRS.

  • INCLUSION

    Encompassing all; taking every individual’s experience and identity into account; creating conditions where all feel accepted, safe, empowered, supported, and affirmed; expanding the sense of community to include all and giving all an equal voice.

    Being inclusive means ensuring co-ownership and shared responsibility among all members of the school community. It authorizes individuals to carry out their role or roles successfully. (The NAIS AIM Users Guide)

Affinity, Alliance, and Interest Groups

Equity and inclusion work helps us better recognize, understand and embrace both our differences and our similarities. A number of student groups on campus support this important effort.
Affinity groups allow students and faculty connect, build trust and affirm their identity and experiences. In alliance groups, students explore how their experiences position them to be supporters and allies.

  • American Asian Pacific Islander
  • Anti-Racist Group
  • Black Student Union
  • Feminists United
  • Gender Sexuality Alliance
  • Jewish Affinity Group
  • Latinx Unidos
  • Middle Eastern North African
  • Multicultural Alliance
  • South Asian Alliance

A large number of service learning groups and clubs are also involved in equity and inclusivity work.

  • Amnesty International
  • Conservative Club
  • El Savaldor - Becas Nonualco
  • Global School Connections
  • Global Vantage
  • Hands of Peace
  • H.E.R.O.
  • Leftist Club
  • Million Knots
  • New Haven Night Shelter
  • Priceless
  • Rainbow Connection
  • Revere
  • Young Centrists

Leadership

Both a Student Equity Advisory Board and Faculty Equity Advisory Board provide input into school initiatives. For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Pacific Ridge, please contact Susan Woods, Director of Community and Inclusion at swoods@pacificridge.org.

Pacific Ridge School

6269 El Fuerte
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-448-9820
info@pacificridge.org

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