Diversity Initiatives
The ultimate objective of the diversity initiative at Brunswick is to ensure that diversity becomes and remains a defining quality of the School. Diversity is defined, for this purpose, as economic, religious, racial and cultural. The School's efforts toward diversity will broaden the range of talents and experiences within the student body and faculty, better prepare all of our boys for the world they will face and build a school culture that fosters an appreciation of differences, understanding and mutual respect.
Under the guidance of diversity coordinator Marianne Ho Barnum, parents, faculty and students are formulating and implementing events, programs, and presentations that will further the goals of diversity in the School. The Annual Martin Luther King assembly is an example of this effort. Click here to read about the 2010 assembly. The Diversity Steering Committee of the Board of Trustees oversees all diversity initiatives at Brunswick. The Faculty Diversity Committee plans and assists in the implementation of a diversity agenda in the areas of faculty training, student training, curriculum initiatives and student and faculty recruitment. There are representatives on this committee from the Upper, Middle and Lower Schools. As part of an overall diversity assessment the faculty and staff focused on diversity issues at the 2009 Faculty Development Day. Click here to read an article about that day's discussions. Likewise the 2009-2010 Lower School theme is Roots and Wings, another form of diversity focus higlighted in an article featured here.
Parents are involved in the diversity initiative through the Multicultural Celebrations Committee of the Brunswick Parent Association (BPA). This committee focuses on providing and funding parent education programs. Click on each division to read about multi-cultural celebrations in theLower School and the Pre School. In addition, the committee works with the Diversity Coordinator to recommend multicultural or diversity-based books, speakers or materials that may be used by parents, faculty and/or students. New in 2009 was the Multicutural Affairs Parents (MAP) Network. It was formed to bring together Brunswick community members, regardless of background who are interested in meeting others and volunteering around multiculturalism, inclusivity and diversity. MAP is open to all. Contact the BPA Diversity Chair or Co-Chair listed on the BPA Board page (www.brunswickschool.org/parents/brunswick-parents-assoc/brunswick-parents-association-board-2009-2010/)
Diversity in Action, a club for Upper School students, provides opportunities for diversity awareness and learning through conferences, speakers, training and diversity exercises. In addition, the club meets weekly to discuss diversity issues at School and in the community at large. There are several annual events planned by this group. Diversity in Action members share insights about diversity with Lower, Middle and Upper School students, faculty and parents at this meeting. Another Diversity club initiative is the international assembly which showcases diverse talents, especially ethnic specialties such as dancing or music.
- Marianne Ho Barnum Diversity Coordinator 203-625-5809
