Diversity & Inclusion

Berkshire School strives to create a global community that reflects the world around us and the backgrounds, experiences, identities, genders, perspectives, races, religions and talents that each member brings to our school. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community supports and respects all cultures, ethnicities, languages, philosophies, political views and sexual orientations that exist within and beyond our school.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STRATEGIC PLAN

Click here to download a PDF version.

DEI Initiatives

AFFINITY & ALLIANCE SPACES

Affinity Groups bring together people who have a common identifier involving race, gender, religion, family structure, sexuality, etc. and are for students who identify as a member of that group. They are spaces where people can be their authentic selves so that everyone has a sense of belonging.

The following groups allow students to both commune with peers who share a social identity and create a space for brave, safe conversations and action.

"Affinity Groups will grow and they will evolve to become the fabric of who we are. That is the mission in the work that we call diversity and inclusion and justice."

–Akilah Edgerton, Dean of Diversity and Inclusion

Latin American Student Association

White Anti-Racist Group

Muslim Club

Pan-Asian Affinity Group

LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group

Black Student Union

Jewish Club

TRAILBLAZERS

Trailblazers is a mentorship and orientation program for incoming BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students. Our initiative is designed to support new BIPOC students to become acclimated to the community. New Trailblazers will connect with student mentors and learn how to access the services and resources they need to successfully navigate a residential academic setting and predominantly white institution.

Key Features

Orientation with the Offices of Diversity and Inclusion, Academics, Residential Life, Afternoon Programs, Student Life Office, and Student Wellness.

Adult/student mentoring

Check-ins and social gatherings throughout the year

Introduction to affinity spaces

Trailblazers’ mentors & new students took to Stockbridge for a retreat to share their stories as pioneers under the Mountain. Their goal? Empower each other through dialogue to act for change and explore their identities to help others navigate a path at Berkshire 💚 #forlife pic.twitter.com/gNpW4TOGl8
— Berkshire School (@BerkshireSchool) October 9, 2021

EQUITY COUNCIL

The Equity Council was formed to develop and mobilize a unit of informed, engaged, and committed diversity practitioners to do equity work in all areas of school life. With this council’s work, Berkshire faculty work collaboratively across departments and with school leadership to examine policies, practices, and programs for equity. This council puts at its core the idea that equity is the fabric of who we are, and the Berkshire community not only recognizes, accepts, and celebrates our differences, but affirms our human potential by striving to create the most just and inclusive Berkshire for the adult and student community.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION ALUMNI COUNCIL

MISSION
In alignment with Berkshire School's strategic DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) priorities, the Council will engage and develop initiatives and programming for the School's alumni, students, faculty and staff that supports and celebrates the diverse identities and experiences of our community.

The DEI Alumni Council will serve as a bridge between our diverse alumni community to life under the Mountain and beyond.

COMMITTEES
Advancement
Career Network/Mentorship
Community Engagement
Faculty/Staff Support
Nominations

MEMBERS

Kelly Price-Noble '82, Co-Chair
Shawn Ingram ’85, Co-Chair
Philip Carey '72
James Coenen '10
Theodore Collins '74
Rhonda Bentley-Lewis ’86
David Chiang ’05
Adriana English ’07
Dalisa Espinosa ’10
Maya Hackett '11
Martha Hagerty Kirkpatrick ’11
Angela Lange Meredith-Jones ’87
Philip Sandick ’01
Denise Saunders ’83
Selina Sun ’10
John Washington, Jr. ’72

SEED

SEEKING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND DIVERSITY (SEED)
The National SEED Project^SM is a peer-led professional development program that creates conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward greater equity and diversity. Through the organization's methodology, SEED equips participants to connect their lives to one another and to society at large by acknowledging systems of oppression, power, and privilege.

To date, 190 students, faculty, and staff at Berkshire School have participated in SEED. Student and faculty/staff-led seminars are held during the school year on a month basis. Since students and adults meet together, students are able to offer clear perspectives in a space in which they have mutual standing with adults.

SEED alumni also meet throughout the year to consider current challenges, develop programs, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion work on the campus, and beyond.

For more information, please contact any one of our SEED facilitators.
Akilah Edgerton: aedgerton@berkshireschool.org
Anita Loose-Brown: aloosebrown@berkshireschool.org
Lissa McGovern: lmcgovern@berkshireschool.org
John Speer: jspeer@berkshireschool.org

DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE WORK

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