Focus Groups + New Reporting System

I’m writing to share two important updates related to Bryn Mawr’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan that help ensure that we have spaces and channels by which community members can share their voice and experiences.

In January, we sent out a community-wide anonymous survey through the Glasgow Group to gather candid feedback around the climate and culture of the school with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens. We are grateful to the 750+ members of our community who participated. This was a critical step in our ongoing process to review and reflect on our school’s practice, process, policies and people, as outlined in the “Principles of Good Practice for Equity and Justice” issued by the National Association of Independent Schools. 

We are now beginning the qualitative portion of our data-gathering process through focus groups and one-on-one interviews. The interviews and focus groups will be facilitated by Bryn Mawr’s DEI Liaisons and members of the Community, Equity & Inclusion Committee, which is composed of board members, parents, alumnae and members of Nicole Lee Consulting Firm.

 

We invite you to take part in a small group session or individual interview regarding diversity, equity and inclusion in The Bryn Mawr School community. Please select the appropriate link below and let us know how you’d like to participate by Tuesday, April 27.

We look forward to productive and informative conversations together.

We are now ready to implement a formal reporting system to address issues of bias, racism or injustice that may happen in school. The goal of this form is to create a channel, known by our full community, by which individuals can submit a report, allowing the school to begin a process of review, support and resolution. 

The incident reporting form is now accessible on the employee and parent portals, and on student resource pages for fourth through 12th grade students. Any reports, which may include a name or be submitted anonymously, will be reviewed by the Senior Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice within three business days. Further details regarding the step-by-step process are available on the form. Submissions may result in a range of outcomes, including disciplinary action, restorative practices, mediation and ongoing support services. Please note that if the incident is an emergency, individuals should immediately contact the Director of Security or call 911. 

This is an important addition to the foundational infrastructure that will support long term change at Bryn Mawr. 

We continue to implement Bryn Mawr’s DEI Action Plan and will share our next quarterly progress update with you in June. Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Diane Nichols
Senior Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice