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Diversity and Inclusion
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.
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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan
Bryn Mawr's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, shared in December 2020, states the commitments that we are making to be more intentional and proactive in dismantling longstanding and systemic racism in our country and in our school, and to build a more inclusive community, where every member feels an equal sense of belonging.
Action Plan Updates
As Bryn Mawr moves forward with the DEI Action Plan, updates will be shared in the first year of implementation.
All School Equity & Inclusion Council
Bryn Mawr's Equity and Inclusion Council is comprised of the E & I liaisons, staff, teachers, board members, alumni, caregivers/parents and student leaders of CAFE. Together, they help create, implement and facilitate diversity, equity and inclusion programming throughout the school.
2022-23 Liaisons
List of 5 members.
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Ale Balcazar
Middle School World Languages Teacher -
Moneshia Davis
Lower School Physical Education Teacher -
Denise Green
Little School Teacher -
Colleen Hanson
Director of Advancement Services -
Bethany McAndrew
Department Chair, World Languages & Cultures
On that note
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Oct. 13: Author Heather McGhee on "The Sum of Us"
Bryn Mawr's Parent Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion invites you to join author Heather McGhee for a discussion of her acclaimed book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together. This virtual event will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 7 p.m. RSVP here and the link will be shared in advance.Read More -
Bryn Mawr Alumna Makes Major Gift to Support DEI Work
Bryn Mawr is thrilled to announce a remarkable philanthropic commitment in support of the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. An anonymous alumna has committed $1 million to support DEI programming and to provide financial aid for students of color, including an endowed scholarship fund.Read More
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Parents’ Association Committee on Diversity and Inclusion
The purpose of the Parent DEI Committee is to:
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.
2022-2023 Parent Committee Chairs:
- 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.
2022-2023 Parent Committee Chairs:
- Kendra McKenzie (Mackenzie, ‘25)
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Theresa Jones (Brielle, ‘31)
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/Alliance Groups (Students, Parents/Caregivers, Employees)
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. 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.
Student Union Groups
Alliance/Student Unions are other shared groups, such as Student Unions and Clubs, which are often facilitated by an adult advisor and remain open to others outside of the identity group. Participants in Alliances, Clubs and Student Unions share a commitment as an Ally and a desire to increase awareness, understanding, and support for an identified group.
Participation in any group is optional, and there is no requirement to sign up, obtain permission, or attend every meeting. If you would like to create, explore, or deepen your understanding of Affinity or Alliance Groups please contact Diane Nichols, Senior Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice at nicholsd@brynmawrschool.org or Sydnee Simms at simmss@brynmawrschool.org.
Participation in any group is optional, and there is no requirement to sign up, obtain permission, or attend every meeting. If you would like to create, explore, or deepen your understanding of Affinity or Alliance Groups please contact Diane Nichols, Senior Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice at nicholsd@brynmawrschool.org or Sydnee Simms at simmss@brynmawrschool.org.
Events and Activities
Students and faculty lead, contribute and learn from a variety of conferences and workshops on issues of inclusion, equity and justice, and multicultural education, both here in Baltimore and around the country. Examples include our student-led Upper School Equity & Empowerment for Everyone (E3 Day), AIMS Making Schools Safe and Diversity Conferences, NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference and People of Color Conference, and Baltimore Leadership in Diversity Conference.
Upcoming DEI programs are listed on the Parent and Alumnae events pages.
Upcoming DEI programs are listed on the Parent and Alumnae events pages.
Alumnae Affinity Groups
Supported by the Alumnae Association, the Bryn Mawr Black Alumnae group, Bryn Mawr Asian Alumnae group, Bryn Mawr LGBTQ Alumnae/i group and Bryn Mawr STEM Alumnae group, are private groups for Bryn Mawr alumnae to connect, network, and share information within an affinity group.
