Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB)

At McGillis, we are committed to being an equitable school and creating an equitable world. We want our school to be a place where every child and adult can be themselves, where they belong and feel included.

Nothing is more important to us than helping every individual feel seen, heard, and valued.

One of the reasons we joined McGillis is because we wanted to join an existing conversation on anti-racism, rather than start it."Candace Chow

DEIB at McGillis

2018

Conducted NAIS Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM) Survey with our community

2018

McGillis faculty attended NAIS People of Color Conference

2019

McGillis Board of Trustees adopted new Diversity and Inclusion Statement

2019

Faculty and Board attend professional development sessions led by DEI Committee and Alison Park from Blink Consulting on identity, cultural competency, implicit bias, white privilege, and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy

2020

The Learning Center opens to serve the needs of children with language-based learning differences

2020

Faculty and staff read and discussed So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

2020

Board implemented annual DEI training/education

2021

Faculty and staff professional development centered around equity for entire school year

2021

McGillis parents attended “How to Raise an Anti-racist Child” workshop

2021

Middle School students participated in NWAIS Student Diversity Leadership Retreat

2022

Board DEIB Committee created Anti-racist Statement, complete with action items

2022

Launched two affinity groups: one for parents/guardians of BIPOC children and parents/guardians of white ally students; one for families with LGBTQ+ children

McGillis DEIB FAQ's

How does McGillis define diversity?
How is DEIB incorporated into the McGillis curriculum?

How does McGillis define diversity?

How is DEIB incorporated into the McGillis curriculum?

Our six Jewish values guide us in all we do, and our DEIB curriculum is no exception. Topics centering on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are woven throughout our curriculum as a part of our K-8 Ethics program, and we emphasize anti-racism in our lessons.

Every student has one full trimester of Ethics every year. Beyond that specific class, we intentionally incorporate DEIB learning in every corner of our building, including but not limited to core classes, class literature, library offerings, theater performances, music, art, Middle School Interdisciplinary Studies, and speakers.

Community Conversations: Dive into DEIB

When we talk about belonging versus fitting in, let’s remember:

Inclusive spaces means creating a space where more people have the opportunity to feel like they belong.
Fitting in takes a lot of energy from the individual. Belonging may take special effort from the community, but it requires a lot less energy from the individual.
The people who create the norms of a group/environment have the responsibility to consider who feels they belong & who is simply fitting in.

Engaging Parents In Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Work at McGillis

Tikkun Olam One Story at a Time: Author Kelly Yang

The McGillis School's Tikkun Olam One Story at a Time Author Series focuses on the work and stories of authors of diverse backgrounds and experiences. During the 2021/2022 school year, students will meet Kelly Yang, Kekla Magoon and Saadia Faruqi, as their share their books and personal journeys as authors of color.

Middle School Students learn to “Express Yourself"

In March 2021, ten McGillis Middle School students attended the virtual Northwest Association of Independent Schools’ Student Diversity Leadership Retreat.

How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Are Prioritized in Our Programs

Our school’s mission, values, and diversity, equity, and inclusion statements guide our curricula and program development.