Understanding and Appreciating Differences
Diversity is critical to help children become confident, independent learners who work cooperatively with others to solve real-life problems. Therefore, Duke School seeks to dismantle barriers that exist because of race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic background and status, age and gender.
We strive to promote an atmosphere of respect, openness and trust by recognizing, understanding and appreciating differences. We actively seek diversity among students, faculty, staff, administrators and trustees.
OUR COMMITMENT TO Equity, justice, and belonging
Duke School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability or national origin in admissions, employment or educational policies.
We value diversity and embrace the belief in the dignity of each human being. We are committed to helping our school community understand and appreciate human differences and similarities.
Duke School students are confident, independent learners who work cooperatively to solve real-life problems in a safe and supportive environment. We seek to nurture an atmosphere of respect, openness and trust. At Duke School, we are enriched through our appreciation of diversity’s many faces including but not limited to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and socio-economic background.
We are actively engaged in developing a culturally competent community that values equity, inclusion, and justice, and we continue to seek diversity among students, faculty/staff, administrators and trustees. By honoring cultural differences and intellectual diversity, we create a vibrant learning community where each person is valued.
Resources
In 2008, after six years of intensive assessments, reviews, meetings, and conversations, Duke School’s Board of Trustees established a Board-level Diversity Committee in recognition of the importance of diversity to the school community.
The Board Equity & Justice Committee guides the school’s strategic planning for and about diversity, and helps develop diversity objectives across all stakeholder groups on the campus.
It reviews the school’s policies and governance on an ongoing basis to ensure they promote diversity. The committee takes actions to guarantee that adequate resources are allocated to forward Duke School’s equity and justice work. It provides diversity education to the board and ensures that the board considers diversity implications of all its decisions.
Duke School Families participating in Durham Pride Parade (September 2022)
Duke School Staff at 2022 NAIS People of Color Conference (San Antonio, TX). With more than 7,800 adults and students from independent schools across the country, our staff gathered to learn, collaborate, and support diversity.
Members of the Durham community came together for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Duke School's campus.
Students from Duke School, Triangle Day School, and Cary Academy joined together for an afternoon of community building in February 2020.
DS alumni parent Cassandra Taylor and parent Elise Dunzo, TBJ's 2015 Leaders in Diversity Award recipients
Duke School Has...
- 37% students of color
- 19%/43% Faculty/Staff of Color (Full Time)
- ranked top 25% most diverse of our peer institutions
Duke School...
- works with Duke School's L.I.F.E. (Learning, Inclusion, Family, Equity & Empowerment) Committee members to ensure a culturally competent and inclusive community
- hosts a variety of diversity events and community workshops
- walks in the NC Pride Parade
- measures Duke School's cultural climate on a regular basis
- works with consultants to evaluate the experience of African American boys at Duke School
- partners with the Students to Scholars (S2S) program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties to allow for the admission of select fifth and sixth grade students
- engages in diversity, inclusion and cultural training for faculty and staff
- sends faculty and staff to the National Association of Independent Schools' People of Color Conference
- recruits diverse faculty and staff as a founding and participating school of the Diversity Teacher Hiring Fair for Triangle Private Schools
- connects with local universities and organizations to build relationships
Duke School Honors...
- alumni parent Cassandra Taylor and parent Elise Dunzo for being named as Duke School's individual recipients of the Triangle Business Journal 2015 Leaders in Diversity Awards!