Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We provide children with opportunities to see not only themselves, but also other people, cultures, perspectives and ideas.
Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Latin School of Chicago enable us to fulfill an important element of our strategic plan, which commits us to “...cultivate a more inclusive and supportive climate for all constituents.”
These efforts also further our expressed desire to ensure that all students, faculty and staff, particularly those historically underrepresented, use their voices and thrive. Latin is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive school and classroom culture, and a curriculum that supports these goals. In practice, that means presenting students with authentic windows and mirrors, a variety of perspectives, and meaningful, immersive experiences that allow them to understand themselves, others and the world around them.
How we define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity At Latin School of Chicago, diversity is defined as the wide range of human characteristics and identities—both individual and group—that inform an individual’s lived experience. We believe that there is inherent value in the perspectives, ideas, and ways of being that are embodied in a diverse school community.
EquityAt Latin School of Chicago, equity aims to ensure that each individual has access to the resources and support they need to be successful. We strive to empower community members on their paths to success, and acknowledge that these paths will vary with each individual. We are also committed to creating opportunities for all members of the community to thrive. In short, equity aims to operationalize equality by differentiating support based on the needs of each unique individual.
Inclusion At Latin School of Chicago, inclusion is defined as actively creating and sustaining an environment of respect in which all members of the community feel accepted, affirmed, empowered and safe. We agree that creating such an environment is a shared responsibility of all community members.
Our DEI Institutional Goals
The following goals are the result of a process that included gathering input from students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, Latin’s DEI practitioners and senior leadership. Five recurring themes emerged across all constituencies, allowing us to identify both long-term goals and short-term action items that will assist us in addressing our comprehensive challenges. This work is urgent, important and requires full participation in order to deliver the inclusive experience we promise to every student and family.
- Representation: Hire and retain more faculty and staff of color.
- Accountability: Create a culture of accountability for racist and discriminatory behavior.
- Inclusion: Create strategy for improving feelings of inclusion for Black and Latino/Latinx students.
- Professional Development/Education: Embed DEI work into Latin’s culture by committing resources to programming and education for all constituencies.
- Curriculum: Examine and adjust curriculum to better reflect/represent/include underrepresented perspectives school wide across all disciplines.
Representation: Hire and retain more faculty and staff of color.
Accountability: Create a culture of accountability for racist and discriminatory behavior.
Inclusion: Create strategy for improving feelings of inclusion for Black and Latino/Latinx students.
Professional Development/Education: Embed DEI work into Latin’s culture by committing resources to programming and education for all constituencies.
Curriculum: Examine and adjust curriculum to better reflect/represent/include underrepresented perspectives school wide across all disciplines.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Action at Latin
- Student Support and Programming
- Curriculum
- Parent/Guardian Engagement
- Professional Development for Faculty, Staff and Administration
- Our Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Student Support and Programming
Curriculum
Parent/Guardian Engagement
Professional Development for Faculty, Staff and Administration
Our Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
DEI News & Events
Around School
Get in Touch & Learn More
Kia London
Titles:
Middle School Spanish Teacher (5th-6th grade), MS DEI Coordinator
Kate Lorber-Crittenden
Titles:
Upper School English Teacher, Upper School English Department Chair, DEI Coordinator
Kasey Taylor
Titles:
Interim Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Brandon Woods
Titles:
Upper School English Teacher, DEI Curriculum Coordinator