Community & Belonging

We believe that a diversity of opinions, experiences and backgrounds are fundamental to an exceptional education.

The Bryn Mawr community is tremendously varied in our beliefs, races, religions, political ideologies, and cultures, and know that we are stronger as a result of our different perspectives. We believe the best gifts we can give our students are unshakeable confidence in who they are as an individual, and true appreciation and respect for the experience of others.

Bryn Mawr School

Our Commitment

The Bryn Mawr School is deeply committed to growing as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning community. We are dedicated to providing an education that is rooted in the ideals of equity and justice and that reflects the diverse identities, experiences, and voices of our constituents. By honoring and nurturing the unique differences within our school community, we teach our students to better understand and contribute to the wider world. To prepare our students and ourselves to lead considered and consequential lives, we believe it is essential that we develop the ability to identify, question, and challenge bias and acts of discrimination. As we strive to build a community that celebrates and values each individual, Bryn Mawr will engage in an ongoing review of our policies and practices that address bias and discrimination.

Bryn Mawr School

Opportunities to Engage

All School Committee for Inclusion and Belonging

Parents’ Association Committee for Inclusion and Belonging

The purpose of the Parent Committee for Inclusion and Belonging is to:

Build and facilitate community dialogue amongst parents on important issues of diversity, inclusion and equity to support students and build a stronger Bryn Mawr Community.
Raise awareness and sensitivity on issues of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic diversity and current events, and work with the administration to help the school respond to current events.
Foster an inclusive environment for all social and ethnic groups at Bryn Mawr and celebrate the community as a whole.

Our parent group supports community events throughout the year, including Breakfast and Books series for Lower School students, parent book discussions, Factuality Game Night, and a multicultural dinner.

Student Organizations

Community Advocacy for Equity (CAFE) is a student-run, all-school organization that promotes all aspects of diversity by working to bring greater awareness, acceptance, and respect within Bryn Mawr and the broader community. Making Our School An Inclusive Community (MOSAIC) provides an opportunity for Middle School students to share and discuss diverse opinions, views, and experiences.

Affinity and Alliance Groups

Affinity Groups are a natural part of our human experience. Every day we create and join groups with those whom we share a common interest, history, or experience based on race, religion, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, age, profession, and interests. Bryn Mawr School itself is an Affinity Based educational setting, designed to combat the gender inequities that continue to plague our world, country and communities. We remain committed to that mission, even as our understanding of gender has expanded beyond binary definitions. In affinity groups, participants’ individual voices evolve into a collective story that affirms, connects, educates, and empowers its members. Participation in such groups is based on one’s ability to speak from the “I” perspective. If interested in learning more about our affinity programming or starting an Affinity Group, please contact Diane Nichols, Senior Director of Equity & Inclusive Practice.

Annual Events and Activities

Alumnae Programs

Hear from Our Director

Get Involved!

Would you like to get involved with Bryn Mawr's equity and inclusion programming? Fill out this form!

Volunteer Form

Bryn Mawr School

Meet the Liaisons

In addition to the Senior Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice, a group of staff and faculty liaisons supports the ongoing work of making Bryn Mawr a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

Theresa Doughney

Little School Faculty

Chelsea Leslie

Pre-Kindergarten Faculty

Allison Lahl

Dean of Students and Upper School DEI Liaison

Kelly Stallard

Assistant Director of Admission and Staff DEI Liaison

Tonia Vines

Drama and Seminar Faculty, Arts Leadership Council, Middle School DEI Liaison

Denise Worsley

Staff Accountant

Bryn Mawr School

In the Classroom

At Bryn Mawr, our strong sense of community is built on a foundation of belonging. Through our curriculum and programming, we promote a deep understanding of one's own identity and a genuine respect for others, while empowering students to become critical thinkers ready to thrive in a complex world. Explore the skills and competencies developed through the Bryn Mawr Experience.

Lower School (PDF)

Middle School (PDF)

Upper School (PDF)

Dorothy Clayborne Fellowship

Bryn Mawr invests in faculty diversity through the Dorothy Clayborne Fellowship, providing our students with teachers and role models who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives. This opportunity, named for a distinguished Black educator, helps teachers from underrepresented backgrounds launch their independent school careers.

Learn More