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

Excerpt from Master of The Gunnery

First page of the PDF file: ExcerptfromMaster-of-Gunnery164-1654pgs
Inaugural Report on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
First page of the PDF file: 2020DEIInauguralAnnualReportadoptedOct2020

DEI Initiatives In Action

Head of School Thoughts on DEI Initiatives

HOS DEI Initiatives Part 2
HOS Thoughts on DEI Part 3
HOS DEI Thoughts Part 4
DEI Thoughts Part 5

DEI News

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Students and faculty paused to reflect on the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at School Meeting on Monday. The presentation by history teacher and Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion LaDarius Drew was the first in a series of programs planned over the next six weeks as part of the school’s Black History Month celebration.
 

Students at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in 2019

Two students and two faculty members representing The Gunnery attended the 2019 People of Color Conference/Student Leadership Diversity Conference sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in Seattle in December. Marley Berano ’20 and Danny Infante ’21 were among 1,600 students from independent schools across the country who attended the sold-out Student Leadership Diversity Conference (SLDC). In addition to large group sessions, the SDLC offers students the opportunity to share their experiences in “affinity groups,” which NAIS describes as “safe and supportive spaces defined by membership in a specific racial or ethnic identity group.
 

A Day of Service and Reflection

On Monday, The Gunnery joined the Washington Business Association in support of “Washington Gives,” a day of service in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The daylong event brought together local residents, business owners and non-profit organizations, who participated in service activities at various locations in Washington Depot as part of a national Day of Service commemorating the life, works and spirit of Dr. King.