Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work in the Upper School is an extension of Penn Charter’s Quaker mission and philosophy. Specifically, this work grows out of the testimonies of Equality and Community, and the central Quaker belief that there is “that of God in everyone.” Diversity includes ability, age, appearance/body image, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, home language, race, religion, sexual orientation and social class.
DEI in the Curriculum
The Upper School’s course of study brings its students in contact with a range of topics, histories and narratives aimed at helping them navigate a diverse and complex world. Through a mix of required courses in Social Studies, English, Foreign Language, Science and Health, along with elective courses in Religious Studies and Philosophy, Math and the Visual and Performing Arts, the curriculum provides opportunities for students to learn about cultures from around the globe, both in the past and in the present. Students also explore issues of gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation throughout their required and elective coursework.
Co-Curricular Programming
Activities beyond the classroom are an integral part of our diversity efforts. A range of student clubs and affinity groups enhance our students’ understanding of identities, cultures and global perspectives. Some of these groups are: Black Student Union (BSU), Asian Student Association (ASA), Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), Club Shalom, Spanish and Latino Student Association (SALSA), Female Experience Club and others. The Upper School hosts Friends Multicultural Day each winter. This day-long program features speakers, performances and student-led workshops on an array of DEI topics. Guest speakers on a range topics and advisory programming provide additional division-wide moments to focus on key diversity issues. Stepping beyond the PC community, Upper School students have developed and facilitated the annual Cheryl Irving Student Diversity Conference (CISDC), which is held each spring in memory of beloved Penn Charter teacher Cheryl Irving, who passed away in 2014. CISDC focuses on issues of inclusion, race and identity. The goal of the conference is to give high school students in the greater Philadelphia area the tools they need to be ambassadors for community building and social justice.
Professional Development
The Quaker concept of Continuing Revelation drives our faculty’s efforts to learn and grow in all matters, but particularly in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Faculty members participate in a range of professional learning experiences, which include monthly professional learning communities such as Building Anti-Racist White Educators (BARWE), Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED), Girls Social/Emotional and Educational Empowerment Group, Using Privilege for Social Equity, and many others. In addition, our faculty have done extensive training around racial literacy and racial stress. The goal is to increase open and honest conversations about how our work as teachers impacts the school community and to ensure that everyone can access opportunities and resources to reach their full potential.