Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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!
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.

Our current working groups are comprised of:

A working group of senior administrators and faculty led by the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, LaDarius Drew
Board of Trustees Task Force Chaired by Omar Slowe '97
Current student-led affinity groups such as the Black Student Union, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and the Asian Student Association

2021 Announcement: Juneteenth/Pride Month

June marks the recognition of the astrological sign known as Gemini. The sign of Gemini is the symbol for dual perspectives and ideologies within the same missions. The Frederick Gunn School views this June as an opportunity to honor both Pride Month and Juneteenth to call attention to character, citizenship, and the result of inclusive engagement, social disruption, and self-expression.

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Since the first recognized pride event took place as a socially disruptive event, it is said to lay the foundations for non-cisgendered and non-heternormative folx to thrive in a world that lets them be their best selves. June 19th, 2021, marked the 156th celebration of Juneteenth National Independence Day, and this year, for the first time in the United States, was federally recognized and observed. The Juneteenth holiday acknowledges that not until June 19, 1865, did the Emancipation Proclamation’s end to the institution of slavery take effect throughout the United States. We use this holiday to call attention to the barriers freed slaves and their descendants faced as we continue to see ongoing conversation on what equality, equity, and justice looks like for them in the 21st century.

The Frederick Gunn School honors this holiday in conjunction with Pride Month to call attention to the discourse of inclusive freedom. Our school is an institution that holds tightly to the tenants of our founder, the abolitionist Frederick Gunn, as we celebrate Pride Month and Juneteenth. These events will forever continue to serve as beacons of freedom from oppression in all their forms.