SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
BY AMY SCHREI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Update to the Social Justice Program
Curriculum Subcommittee
Tower Hill School is committed to social justice, and it is our mission to prepare students from all backgrounds for full and creative engagement with a dynamic world. Diversity and inclusivity, in all aspects of identity, broaden and enhance the educational experience and are embedded within Tower Hill’s mission. Varied perspectives are a source of strength, creativity, enrichment and renewal in our community.
The Curriculum Subcommittee is committed to eradicating racist and biased curricula as well as expressions of racism and other expressions of bigotry. This subcommittee compiled three shortterm recommendations to be carried out in the 2022-2023 school year, which included detailed questions and notes faculty can use as a tool for reflection and revision. The recommendations are focused on immediate impacts for students and include the establishment of norms in each classroom, coursework that provides “windows” and “mirrors,” and student-centered syllabi that clearly states each teacher/department’s policy with regard to DEI.
The social justice team was strengthened during the 2021-2022 school year with additional Equity and Inclusion Coordinators for a total of eight, two in each division and two in preschool. The team is led by the Director of Social Justice and the Assistant Dean of Recruiting and Social Justice. The coordinators worked with the Director of Social Justice to launch four new committees, who meet regularly to discuss and implement community-building ideas and educational initiatives. Tower Hill School’s Social Justice Program also includes guest speakers, professional development workshops, community conversations and other initiatives that invite students to engage in courageous conversations about building and engaging a more inclusive and student-centered community. Task Force Recommendations During the 2020-2021 school year, three Social Justice Task Force subcommittees met throughout the year and developed specific recommendations to build a more inclusive, equitable school community. The subcommittees accomplished their goal of compiling a list of action items; however, the real work was in the thoughtful, honest and sometimes difficult conversations, which were possible due to the commitment, authenticity and vulnerability of the participants. More than 80 people—including students, alumni, parents, trustees, faculty and administrators—worked collaboratively for 14 meetings, with numerous emails, many hours studying resource materials and dozens of working notes. Tower Hill extends sincere gratitude to all who participated.
In addition, three long-term recommendations, focused on the sustainability of culture change, were identified to be carried out in the 2023 academic year and beyond, as well as determine ways to evaluate and measure success. Time was dedicated during the February in-service day for departments to develop three DEI commitments to be implemented in their curriculum. Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee The Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee’s aim was to provide advice and make recommendations on programming, initiatives and services affecting the recruitment and retention of faculty that is in alignment with Tower Hill’s strategic plan. The building blocks for many of the recommendations were already in place. For example, the school engages with Nemnet, an organization committed to assisting schools in the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff. The school is utilizing many of Nemnet’s strategies and best practices. Interviewers at Tower Hill have taken anti-bias training, and the school is exploring other ways to improve internal processes. Retaining excellent faculty is a top priority for Tower Hill, which starts with making new faculty feel included and giving them the tools to make an impact. The school has a mentor program for new faculty, which has been strengthened with a detailed handbook. The subcommittee discussed ways to article continues on page 26
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Tower Hill Bulletin
Spring 2022
