Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Update

The class of 2022’s motto, “Like No Other,” best describes my first year at Landon. In all this newness, I immediately felt welcomed. I am here at Landon for my next chapter and have truly felt a sense of belonging from the beginning. When I arrived at Landon, faculty and staff kept inquiring about my transition and asking how I liked the school. They kept telling me if I think I am enjoying the school now, wait until I meet our students. They are special they said. “Special” was an understatement. They are what make Landon uniquely special.

When the students arrived for the start of school, I was officially introduced in our opening meeting. Immediately following our meeting, many of the students took it upon themselves to introduce themselves personally. I, too, made my rounds at recess, lunch, and club meetings.

I wanted to get to know all our students individually and for them to get to know me as well. I got to work on not only getting to know our community but also seeing where I could add value.

This year, I worked with many members of our community to continue to realize the goals of our DEI Action Plan, including establishing a DEI Committee of the Board of Trustees, and reviewing and providing updates to the School’s Handbooks regarding issues of identity and belonging, and reviewing the calendar and assemblies to ensure they are inclusive.

Some of the work I engaged in includes:

1. Speaking to the students early in the year during assemblies and classroom visits

2. Leading an Upper School ethics assembly on inclusivity

3. Leading a Middle School talk on “Finding the Good”

4. Contributing to a Lower School ethics class on resiliency

5. Offering faculty workshops on DEI topics

6. Crafting a Religious Observance Policy

I enjoyed my first year and look forward to continuing the work and getting to know more members of the broader Landon community.