Belonging and Inclusion
what we believe and why we care.
Community and citizenship are at the heart of our aspiration to both social justice and academic excellence. We seek to provide a pluralistic living and learning environment for all, inclusive of, but not limited to: culture, ethnicity, physical difference, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and socioeconomic differences.
I answered, of course, that I am no critic of skins; that I teach all who come to receive my instructions, and who conduct themselves in such a manner as to promote the ends of the institution; that I never can or will give way to this inhuman and infernal prejudice, — no, not for one hour!- Frederick William Gunn
Who was Frederick Gunn?
all are welcome.
Frederick Gunn was a rare man who led enslaved people to freedom and corresponded with Harriet Beecher Stowe. He welcomed the wider world to his school. He opened his arms to students who made the long ocean voyage from China, setting a precedent in 19th century, rural New England. Inclusiveness did not end there: he welcomed African American and Native American students as well. Girls from Washington and nearby towns took lessons, which was uncommon at the time.
the road to freedom.
Upon returning home to Washington, CT, Frederick Gunn developed into a staunch abolitionist. A man of principle, he was also a man of action. He was a leader of the Underground Railroad, guiding enslaved people to freedom. His willingness to break the law in pursuit of right earned him the enmity of many. But others admired him. When he started a school years later, Harriet Beecher Stowe sent her children to him because he was a principled leader and gifted teacher.
If I am compelled to relinquish my situation here because I cannot sell myself to the skin-aristocrats to help them in heaping contempt upon those whom God loves as well as he does you and me, — why, then so be it, so be it
- Frederick William Gunn
Working Statement on Diversity, Equity and inclusion
Our continuous focus on moral character development intentionally engages all members of our school in the work of creating an inclusive and equitable living and learning ecosystem. Community and citizenship are at the heart of our aspiration to both social justice and academic excellence, with individual diversity integral to the strength of that community. When we embrace difference and pursue school life with respect, equity, and compassion, we prepare our students to be engaged citizens, as described in the school’s Character Statement.
In keeping with the tenets of our founder Frederick Gunn, who was himself a prominent abolitionist and progressive educator, The Frederick Gunn School seeks to provide a pluralistic learning environment for all inclusive of (but not limited to): culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, learning differences, physical difference, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic differences.
Affinity Groups on Campus
- BALU (Black and Latin Student Union)
- ASA ( Asian Student Alliance)
- Abigail's Circle
- Judaic Society
- GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance)
- Gunn Global
- Crossroads