We recognize that equity work is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to meeting people where they are in their own personal growth.
In our pursuit of creating a diverse community, we understand that embracing a multitude of perspectives enables us all to learn and grow, and our commitment to the diversity of people in our community encompasses every social identifier. Because of this, we value and celebrate the uniqueness of each and every individual, including, but not limited to, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, family composition, and ability. It is through this celebration of diversity that we continue to thrive on inclusivity.
We know the power of representation and its influence on our community. To this end, we actively work towards attracting, admitting, and retaining a diverse body of students, school professionals, and board of trustees that reflect the vibrant diversity of New York City.
Pathways to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Affinity Groups
Our Affinity Groups provide safe spaces for students with shared experiences and identities to come together, foster support, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and experiences.
Activism in Education Days
On our Activism in Education Days, students immerse themselves in different social justice topics. We suspend classes, bring in guest speakers, and enable school professionals and students to lead workshops based on the day’s theme. Past A.I.E. Days have focused on themes like elections, discovering differences, and civil discourse. Upper school students also teach workshops to lower school students on topics ranging from sustainable fashion and climate change to music from around the world and the portrayal of women and underrepresented populations in comics. We believe that education is a powerful tool for creating a more just and equitable world, and we actively promote advocacy within our learning environment.
Equity Institute
Our Equity Institute is a resource for continuous learning and professional development, enabling our educators to grow and refine their practices in creating an inclusive and equitable learning experience for all students. Focusing on topics like institutional racism, gender expression, school culture, and disability awareness, participants gain a foundation of language and skills to help bring equity work at Churchill to the next level. Along with the Equity Institute, we offer several other in-house professional development opportunities for school professionals, and we send educators and students to conferences such as the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, Learning for Justice, and the National Association of Independent Schools Annual People of Color Conference.
Culturally Responsive Curriculum
Through a Culturally Responsive Curriculum, we work to ensure that our educational materials and approaches reflect the world we live in. We continually ask ourselves who is and is not being represented, which voices and opinions are uplifted and which are silenced, and how we can adjust lessons, procedures, and spaces to address different student needs. And we explore how our own identifiers could be impacting our roles. We empower our students and our school professionals to embrace their uniqueness and build empathy for others.
Hiring Practices
Churchill’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to our hiring practices. We are trained in anti-bias hiring practices and dedicated to finding candidates who align with our values.
Together, we strive to shape a future that celebrates the diversity of the human experience and leaves a positive impact on our community and the world we live in.
Career Opportunities at Churchill
Diversity Mission Statement
In keeping with the school's Mission Statement, the Churchill School and Center is dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment that considers diversity, equity, and inclusion essential. We celebrate and respect differences in age, ethnicity, family structure, gender identity or expression, learning style, physical ability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. We will continue to develop programs that aim to ensure each member of our community is seen, valued, and respected.
Anti-Racism Statement
The Churchill School and Center affirms its commitment to recognizing, addressing, and dismantling all forms of racism and ethnic oppression. We are a caring community, welcoming and respecting diversity and working for social justice on campus and in the world. We acknowledge that individuals are at various points along their anti-racist journey, regardless of one’s own race or ethnicity. As an institution, we must examine racism beyond the actions of individuals, looking at structural changes as needed. We will continue to work to eliminate racial injustices within Churchill and the greater community. Anti-bias and anti-racism work is ongoing due to the changing nature of a school community. It focuses on uplifting individuals and honoring others’ differences. Churchill is dedicated to continuing the work of education and practice at all levels of the school community. The Churchill School and Center strives to become anti-racist and to reject all forms of racism as destructive to our mission, vision, values, and goals.
Churchill is a place where everyone can find a sense of belonging and be supported in their individual journeys.
