Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is not a separate program; it is woven into the fabric of our daily decision-making and interactions.
True inclusion and equity requires intentionality, education and restoration. Key’s ongoing process depends on curiosity, active listening, empathy, and courage from all community members.
Since our inception, Key School has intentionally opened its doors to families from all backgrounds and experiences, because when students and adults of diverse identities come together as a community, we develop an appreciation and respect for our commonalities and differences. We understand that educators have a unique responsibility and opportunity to advance equity in education locally and globally. Our work is guided by the NAIS Good Practice - Equity and Justice principles and the National Association of the Education of Young Children Equity Position and led by the Key Administrative team with input from all community members.
DEIB work is never done. It is a journey.
Key Affinity Groups
Affinity and alliance groups create a school environment that is responsive and supportive to community members across many social identities. Affinity groups—whether for students or families—serve those who share a specific identity in service of finding commonalities, differences, support, and connection. Alliance groups focus on a specific social identity, but are open to all invested in collaboration. Both serve an essential purpose to ensure a healthy and safe climate in a diverse school community.
Upper School Affinity Groups: Asian Affinity, Black Affinity, Latinx Affinity, Straight and Gay Alliance (SAGA), Women's Affinity
Middle School Affinity Groups: Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Black Girl Magic Affinity, Young Men of Color Affinity
Key Terms
Diversity
- Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, and it encompasses all the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another.
- It is all-inclusive and recognizes everyone and every group as part of the diversity that should be valued.
- A broad definition includes not only race, ethnicity and gender—the groups that most often come to mind when the term "diversity" is used—but also age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. It also involves different ideas, perspectives and values.
Equity
- Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
- Equity in education means giving each student access to the resources they need to learn and thrive.
Inclusion
- Inclusion means authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities and decision/policy-making in a way that shares power.
Belonging
- Inclusivity is the foundation of belonging. At Key we believe in the importance of creating spaces, policies and practices that embrace diversity and eliminate biases.
- Belonging is not merely a physical presence; it's a deep and intrinsic sense of being valued, accepted and included, regardless of one's background, identity or differences. This is a principle cornerstone of our community.
- We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, age, or any other dimension of diversity, feels a deep sense of belonging.