What is Summerfield's perspective on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)?

We have the opportunity to lead with diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) both in the classroom and through interpersonal relationships within our community. In the classroom, our teachers strive to include as many voices and points of view as possible in all subjects, and we encourage lively and respectful debate between our students. The high school curriculum itself covers a very broad array of cultures, histories and identities. In addition, we have offered electives in Race, Class and Gender, Feminist Literature and LGBTQIA + history. Interpersonally, students are expected to cultivate an open mind, treat others with respect and kindness, and take responsibility for the impact of their words and deeds. This is actively facilitated by mentors, counselors and class advisors as well as the curriculum itself. We have an active affinity group for LGBTQIA+ students who meet weekly. We also have an active DEI faculty committee who facilitate diverse offerings into our festival cycle, parent and teacher study groups and ongoing training for faculty and staff. Our whole educational approach is based on students learning to recognize and fulfill their unique path as human beings in the world, and the other side of this deep understanding of self is a real capacity for seeing and honoring another on their own unique path.

DEI | Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm

DEI

Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm recognizes all people in their full humanity. We strive to provide an inclusive learning environment where all are seen, heard, and welcomed. We acknowledge the ever-evolving topics of diversity, equity and inclusion are learning and growth opportunities.

Hand-drawn line illustration of a circle reading "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion," resting above two cupped hands cradling a small heart, with "Summerfield Waldorf" lettered in gray script beneath

As a proud, accredited member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), we affirm AWSNA’s statement repudiating any racially biased content in Steiner’s work and reaffirm our commitment to a respectful, inclusive Waldorf education.

Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm is committed to

Recognizing all people in their full humanity;
Striving to provide an inclusive learning environment where all are seen, heard and welcomed;
Becoming agents of change by: Learning from mistakes or oversights, Informing ourselves and engaging in meaningful conversation;
Recognizing inequity, injustice and inequality in our history and current affairs, in order to make conscious choices to grow toward equity, justice, inclusivity and diversity in our school;
Widening views to inform classroom teaching, relationships with parents, students and colleagues, and interactions with the community;
Understanding that the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion are learning and growth opportunities that are ever evolving.

The DEI Committee

Charter

The DEI committee works to accomplish these goals:

Respond in a timely manner to DEI needs arising out of the community;
Keep track of recommendations and follow through with proposals;
Re-examine with DEI principles all festivals and curriculum-related materials offered at Summerfield. This includes but is not limited to: stories, history perspectives, religious and government holidays, plays, music, movement, field trips, guest teachers and speakers for classes, imagery displayed in classes, arts and crafts, reference materials and class readers;
Develop, manage and cultivate DEI programs and speaker events, in keeping with the school’s mission and learning goals;
Propose and schedule teacher and staff training on DEI topics;
Explore how to attract and retain employees who represent members of the larger society who are currently missing from our student and parent body, faculty and/or staff.

Members

Donald Basmajian (he/him) – DEI Committee Chair & Class Teacher
Lisa Hensley (she/her) – Business Manager
Barb Kobabe – LS/HS Practical Arts & LS Handwork
Isabel Vallejo (she/her) – LS/HS Spanish
Kibby MacKinnon (she/her) – Class Teacher & College Co-Chair
Saskia Pothof (she/her) – Class Teacher & College Co-Chair

Contact the committee: dei [at] summerfieldwaldorf [dot] org.

LGBTQIA+ Safe Space Group

The LGBTQIA+ Safe Space is a group facilitated by Summerfield faculty for 7th–12th graders to meet. Safe Space Group provides a welcoming and accepting social space for students and their allies to support and learn from each other, and explore relevant topics and concerns.

Students who are interested in creating and leading an affinity group can contact the DEI Committee above to learn more about affinity group leadership and facilitation.

Frequently asked questions

What is Summerfield's perspective on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)?

We have the opportunity to lead with diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) both in the classroom and through interpersonal relationships within our community. In the classroom, our teachers strive to include as many voices and points of view as possible in all subjects, and we encourage lively and respectful debate between our students. The high school curriculum itself covers a very broad array of cultures, histories and identities.

In addition, we have offered electives in Race, Class and Gender, Feminist Literature and LGBTQIA + history. Interpersonally, students are expected to cultivate an open mind, treat others with respect and kindness, and take responsibility for the impact of their words and deeds. This is actively facilitated by mentors, counselors and class advisors as well as the curriculum itself. We have an active affinity group for LGBTQIA+ students who meet weekly.

We also have an active DEI faculty committee who facilitate diverse offerings into our festival cycle, parent and teacher study groups and ongoing training for faculty and staff. Our whole educational approach is based on students learning to recognize and fulfill their unique path as human beings in the world, and the other side of this deep understanding of self is a real capacity for seeing and honoring another on their own unique path.