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Diversity, Equity, & 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

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 Strategic Plan 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

  1. Grow the Faculty, Administration and Board of Trustees’ Understanding of How DEI Informs How We Teach, Administer and Govern Our School
  2. Document Instances of Bigotry and Prejudice
  3. Increase Efforts to Recruit and Retain Diverse Faculty
  4. Increase Efforts to Attract, Retain, and Recognize a More Diverse Student Body
  5. Improve Advisory Programs to Foster a Greater Sense of Belonging
  6. Review and Revise Our Curriculum (What We Teach) with Attention to Systemic Racism, Diversity and Inclusion
  7. Assess Pedagogy (How We Teach) in Relation to DEI and the Curriculum
  8. Refine the School’s Statement of Core Values
  9. Foster greater parent engagement and education on community and inclusion
  10. Funding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

Our students share their identities with the community through information events and cultural celebrations.

Definitions:

Student 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.

Ghiya Ali Headshot, Interim Director of Community and Inclusion

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 Ghiya Ali, Interim Director of Community and Inclusion, and Teacher of English.