DEI Council

The Diversity, Equityand InclusionCouncil Finds its Voice

DEICouncil Members

20 Current Parents

7Parents of Recent Alumni

8Alumni

8Faculty/Staff

3Senior Administrators

Trustees E arlier this summer, Kinkaid formally announced the establishment of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council (DEI Council). That public moment was the culmination of more than two years of work by the Board of Trustees, school administrators, and many others to create a framework and foundation on which our school could build on ongoing open and honest conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion at Kinkaid.

In the past, Kinkaid approached these difficult issues in various ways, and the DEI

Council is an evolution of lessons learned. The DEI Council promotes values of solidarity and integrity that are supported by school leadership and are integral to the comprehensive education of a well-rounded student. DEI initiatives are not a standalone effort, but instead align with Kinkaid’s values and mission statement and weave seamlessly into all aspects of the Kinkaid experience – academics, athletics and the arts - to create a community where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

While so many elements of the Kinkaid experience make our school exceptional, there are always areas for growth in order to sustain balanced excellence. The DEI Council exists to advance certain strengths and improve certain shortcomings, always in the best interest of our students and our school.

In the coming months, as the work of the DEI Council becomes more visible across campus and among our alumni, it is important to know the make-up of the group and what role it will play in our community.

Who is on the DEI Council?

The DEI Council is comprised of 28 individuals representing broad perspectives from across our community, including several who represent multiple constituencies. The group includes current parents (20), parents of recent alumni (7), alumni (8), faculty/ staff (8), enior administrators (3) and trustees (2). Lower, Middle and Upper Schools are also well-represented by DEI Council members.

How was the DEI Council selected?

After an application process open to the entire Kinkaid community, the DEI Council was selected in the fall of 2019 by the Interim Head of School Dr. Ed Trusty, senior administrators and a focused working group of the Board of Trustees, in conjunction with outside advisors on best practices at JONES as detailed below. As current DEI Council members complete their varying terms, new applicants will be solicited through this same accessible process. For a full list of the current members, visit https://www.kinkaid.org/explore/dei.

What is the DEI Council’s Purpose?

The DEI Council has a clear purpose statement drafted in consultation with its many stakeholders. Ths statement focuses on our students and affirms the work of the DEI Council moving forward. As The Kinkaid School prepares our students to lead as engaged global citizens, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council’s purpose is to foster a community grounded in equity and inclusion where diversity of thought, identities and people are safe, respected and valued. We provide a collaborative platform where all voices of our community, including students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni, are actively encouraged to share their perspectives and experiences. We work with the Board and the administration to support and hold our Kinkaid community accountable to collectively strengthen and purposefully advance Kinkaid’s mission.

Who is leading the DEI Council?

The DEI Council is led by the Head of School Jonathan Eades and two current cochairs, Trustee Greg Looser and Assistant Athletic Director Stacey Marshall. Kinkaid, originally through the Board of Trustees in 2018, has engaged JONES (www.jonesinclusive.com), a diversity, inclusion and organizational change consulting fim, to guide the School’s and DEI Council’s efforts to further this important work throughout our community. Since its founding in 1906, Kinkaid has gone through many changes and risen to the challenges required of growth and progress while remaining committed to balanced excellence in education. The summer of 2020 will prove to be another signifiant inflction point in the School’s history as our community adjusts to a change in senior leadership during a national outcry for social justice amidst a global pandemic. Building a stronger school together is rooted in trust – something that takes a long time to build and an instant to break. The vital work of the DEI Council has just begun, and with the support of the Board, senior administration, faculty, staff, parents and alumni, our entire community will build this trust together. Ths work together may not be without obstacles, differing opinions and setbacks - some might call that good trouble. But undoubtedly this work together, anchored by our values, will strengthen Kinkaid’s mission.

How do I contact the DEI Council?

If you would like to contact the DEI Council, please email DEICouncil@kinkaid.org. With a focus on fiding common ground in our students’ best interests, we will continue to join together as a community and support Kinkaid’s leadership to advance this important work to sustain balanced excellence.