About
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Belonging at KUA
Central to a feeling of being safe in a community is ensuring that each member of the community feels appreciated for who they are, feels empowered to be their authentic self, and therefore grows to be the best version of who they wish to be.
Beginning in the summer of 2020, KUA renewed its commitment to meaningful work in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are hoping to fulfill our mission to create a deep sense of belonging for every member of our community by engaging in anti-racist work and educating ourselves and our students in the areas of racial injustice, systemic racism, and institutionalized inequality.
Statement of Inclusion
Kimball Union Academy is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment in which all community members value and respect each other’s unique qualities and contributions. We are committed to nurturing a learning environment where the principles of dignity, equity, and justice are an essential part of our culture and daily life. We encourage the exploration of independence and interdependence as we affirm our promise to honor individuality, celebrate our differences, and embrace our connections with each other and the global community.
Campus Clubs and Interest Groups
List of 5 items.
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Athletic DEI Council
Led by KUA student-athletes the council seeks through the medium of athletics, to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral aspects of culture inside of the KUA community, which fosters caring and compassionate global citizens. -
BIPOC Affinity Group
This student-led initiative provides students of color with a space to meet and talk openly about issues and topics of importance in their lives and receive faculty and administrative support. -
Queer-Straight Alliance
QSA is an important space where students are made to feel safe and valued as members of our community. Student leaders aim to help encourage fellow students and teachers to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community. -
Jewish Student Club
This student-led group honors and celebrates various Jewish traditions throughout the year as well as partnering with other faith groups on campus to share traditions and inspire understanding. -
Community Action Block
This academic period offers students an opportunity to lead action and service-based programs that empower students to be the pillars of an anti-racist community so they may support long-term social and environmental justice.
Our Commitment
Our community will be defined by a deep sense of belonging for every community member and we are committed to listening and to growing as a community and recognize our individual and collective responsibilities.
In August 2020, Head of School Tyler Lewis shared a letter with the Kimball Union Academy community outlining the necessary steps the Academy – as approved by the Board of Trustees, the administration, faculty, and staff – will take to fully support our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students, families, employees, and alumni so that everyone may feel a profound sense of belonging.
List of 13 items.
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We will build upon and elevate the work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, composed of faculty, staff, and student representatives.
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We will institute a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees established a DEI Committee in 2021. -
We will examine and expand the academic curriculum to better reflect the current and historical social, economic, and cultural context of BIPOC as well as other underrepresented populations.
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We will update the library’s guide of antiracist and allyship resources with suggested articles, books, and films that members of the community can use to educate themselves on the historical context and current state of issues of racism in the U.S.
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We will institute a weekly community block intended to create space for social justice work, community action and reflection, and student-led initiatives.
Beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year, KUA created a weekly academic period that offers students an opportunity to lead action and service-based programs that empower students to be the pillars of an anti-racist community so they may support long-term social and environmental justice. -
We will conduct a curricular audit beginning this year to better understand the implicit bias in the content of our courses, as well in the practices and habits we employ in teaching.
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We re-commit to recruiting and retaining a diverse student body and will undergo a careful reexamination of our recruitment and retention policies and procedures.
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We re-commit to recruiting and retaining faculty of color, providing opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
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We will seek to diversify the membership of the Board of Trustees.
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We will revise the Community Handbook to specifically address expectations and policies surrounding racism within our community.
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We will make anti-racist training and education mandatory for all students, faculty, staff, and board members.
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We will continue to hear the voices of our students through a cultural climate survey, which will include the voices of faculty and staff.
Kimball Union conducted a comprehensive campus climate assessment in 2022, conducted by Dr. Keith Hinderlie. -
We will create new avenues for BIPOC alumni to engage with one another and with the Academy.
