We embrace the definitions provided by the National Association of Independent Schools:

• Diversity refers to the full range of human differences within overarching similarities. These differences can be visible or invisible, mutable or not. Schools foster diversity by ensuring that their communities include people from many different backgrounds and perspectives.

• Equity means ensuring that everyone has equal access to the opportunities that will help them thrive. Not everyone in a school community will have the same needs; schools can address equity by understanding the needs of each student and providing the tools or opportunities that will support their development. 

• Inclusion refers to individual and institutional behaviors that show people they are accepted, respected, and valued. Inclusion helps ensure all community members have access to the benefits and opportunities the school provides. Inclusion is also closely related to belonging.

• Belonging refers to the emotional and experiential outcome of inclusion. All humans share the need to be taken in, cared-for, protected, and valued by a group, community, or organization. Belonging gives people a voice in a community, and encourages and enables them to contribute to it and to expect support from it as well.

Our affinity groups provide important spaces for belonging in the community. Common goals of an affinity group are to enhance awareness, create cohesion, and help promote a positive sense of self among those who share an identity and their allies. An affinity group is a historically oppressed group.

We have affinity groups for students as well as family affinity groups, which K-12 parents are welcome to join. Student groups have faculty/staff liaisons that act as advisors. Learn more

We believe that cultural competency is an ongoing learning and training process. Brentwood is committed to this principle and requires all employees to participate in a variety of experiences, not limited to but including: 

• DEI discussion groups that meet throughout the school year with a trained facilitator to explore our own biases and to learn to intervene when injustice takes place

• Participation in the National SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) Inservices (internal professional development workshops) that host nationally renowned leaders in the fields of of DEI, bias, and multicultural education. 

Brentwood also supports faculty and staff attendance at local and national conferences, workshops, and webinars that contribute to our implementation of best practices.

Our highly qualified faculty and staff include adults from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities. We believe that representation is important, and our approach is intentional: we invite a wide pool of applicants when positions become available. Brentwood’s values and commitment to equity and inclusion help us attract individuals who can serve as role models for all of our students. Cultural intelligence is a job requirement. We seek employees who can effectively navigate differences and who are committed to helping students of all backgrounds find success.

Many programs connect students and their families to the community. Not only our affinity groups, but also programs such as Eagle to Eagle, our student mentoring program, and Peer Leadership, which trains seniors to lead weekly discussions that facilitate social and cultural intelligence.

Many events throughout the year promote and celebrate diversity. In the fall, there’s an annual K-12 All-Family Celebration of Diversity, and in the spring of every other year, a Diversity Day for our East Campus. Throughout the year, we honor various identities on campus with celebrations for heritage months and holidays. Upper School students attend conferences such as Pollyanna and the national Student Diversity Leadership Conference. Upper School students can also participate in SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity). West Campus (our Lower School) hosts Crayon Club, an exchange of culture where families share beliefs, traditions, interests, and experiences with the community.

Our Office of Equity and Inclusion has locations on both the East and West Campuses. We are happy to answer questions. Please contact us at equityandinclusion@bwscampus.com.