About

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an independent college preparatory school, The Baldwin School develops the talent of our student body and fosters a sense of confidence, global understanding and the competency to make significant and enduring contributions to the world.

Baldwin is dedicated to the significance of our diverse communities and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all members feel valued and supported. We recognize and honor the individuals and groups that make up our communities and actively celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences of our students, families, faculty, staff, alums and administration.

We maintain the highest standards regarding the experiences of our students, faculty and staff. We continuously cultivate a culture of life-long learning that provides opportunities to grow and develop cultural competence and confidence. Baldwin’s environment fosters a foundation for curiosity. We also lead with intersectionality. We recognize that all members of our communities are multi-dimensional. We understand that no community is monolithic. Therefore, we build experiences and resources that reflect this nuance and advocate for individuals beyond a single identity to meet them at their intersections.

At Baldwin:

List of 3 items.

Diversity is about all the unique perspectives in the room.

The combination of experiences, skills, and cultural backgrounds makes us who we are and ultimately benefits our community. Diversity encompasses a full range of visible and invisible identities, including but not limited to race, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, physical and cognitive ability, sexual orientation, education, religion/spirituality, age/generation, social class, language, etc. Individuals and groups are not one-dimensional and are shaped by multiple and intersecting identities. Baldwin’s collective diversity feeds our community and connections.
Equity is giving space for every voice to be heard.

It is the fairness of access, opportunity, and advancement for all. Equity looks to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. It’s also about ensuring that policies, practices, and systems provide all individuals access to the opportunities, resources, and recognition to be successful.
Inclusion is knowing your voice is heard.

It provides an environment where everyone feels valued, trusted, connected, and informed. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the different lived experiences of our community members and leveraging their unique abilities and perspectives. When someone feels included they generally experience ownership and a sense of empowerment.

People and Programs that Support DEI at Baldwin

List of 8 items.

DEI Competency at Baldwin
DEI competency refers to the ability to establish, develop and sustain relationships with members of diverse populations. Core DEI competencies define and direct behaviors that faculty and staff strive to demonstrate to support and drive our mission and vision of a diverse, equitable and inclusive school environment.

DEI competencies can enhance teachers' perspectives in many ways as they engage with the realities of today’s classrooms. Today’s educators are likely to encounter a range of students and community members with different identities and lived experiences, including students with different socioeconomic backgrounds, learning styles, and ethnic or religious identities.

At Baldwin, we understand and acknowledge that growing in our DEI competence is part of a lifelong journey; one is never ‘there.’ We recognize that the journey of discovery requires personal engagement and a willingness to be on that journey for life.

DEI Competencies at a Glance:
- DEI at Baldwin
- Self-awareness
- Cross-cultural Communication
- Knowledge of Systemic and Structural Inequity
- Role-Modeling
Cultivating our Dynamic Community

Baldwin supports and challenges our students as they grapple with complex global and local issues. Faculty and staff encourage students not to shy away from difficult conversations but to equip themselves with the skills to remain actively engaged in making our community and world more equitable, inclusive, and compassionate.

Aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of Baldwin’s mission, vision, and values. Such aspects are part of the educational curriculum our students encounter from Pre-K through Grade 12.

The integration of such elements into our educational approach supports a community that practices active listening, engages in meaningful conversations across differences, and co-creates an inclusive school environment where everyone can thrive and belong. Such an approach serves our students throughout their lives and prepares them for inclusive engagement in the world.

Baldwin looks to support our parents and guardians, who do not need all the answers to engage with their children on such topics. We provide resources that encourage parents and guardians to connect in compassionate, thoughtful ways, helping their children develop essential skills such as self-awareness, curiosity, empathy, social/emotional capacity and regulation, analysis, and critical thinking.
Affinity and Alliance Groups

Affinity and Alliance Groups at Baldwin are school-sponsored organizations that support students based on their group identities or allyship to these identities. They may be based on race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, gender or other factors.

Affinity Groups are designed as gatherings in safe and brave spaces around shared identities that allow students to engage in conversations. They aim to enhance awareness, increase connection, create cohesion and help promote a positive sense of self among those who share an identity. They also have the potential to change and improve the school community, allowing a place for discussion and a platform to raise awareness to a broader community and audience.

An Alliance Group is a group of people with a common commitment to people who share a common identifier, for example, race, familial status, gender or sexual identity. Alliance groups stand in support and solidarity with people who hold a specific identity. Being part of an Alliance Group is a way to increase inclusivity, advocacy and awareness of various issues within the school community.

Affinity and Alliance groups are important in creating a diverse and inclusive world by creating brave spaces for people to build strength and pride. Equally as important are the collaborative efforts between different groups of people toward creating a sense of belonging for all. At Baldwin, we encourage understanding the various roles one can play to foster an inclusive environment.

The Office of DEI, in partnership with the Middle and Upper School divisional leadership, guides and directs all groups.
Upper School Affinity and Alliance Groups
- Asian Student Association (ASA)
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Hispanic Student Association (HSA)
- Jewish Cultural Alliance (JCA)
- Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- South Asian Student Association (SASA)
- SPECTRUM
Middle School Affinity and Alliance Groups
- Asian Student Association (ASA)
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Jewish Cultural Alliance (JCA)
- Latinx Student Association (LSA)
- Muslim Student Association (MSA)
- Jewish Cultural Alliance (JCA)
- SPECTRUM
- 1st Gen
Baldwin's DEI Coordinators

Baldwin's DEI Coordinators are representatives from the School's three divisions. This role supports the office of DEI and involves representing Baldwin’s DEI initiatives, promoting understanding, fostering inclusive and equitable practices within the School, and aligning with the School's Strategic Plan.
DEI Representatives of the Baldwin School Parent Association (BSPA)

Parent representatives of the BSPA from the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools help amplify and support Baldwin’s DEI efforts and initiatives developed for our student and parent population. They provide perspectives that emerge among the parent population and are a voice and liaison between the BSPA, parent reps and the DEI Director.
Conferences and Workshops

Baldwin views professional development as critical to the mission and vision of the School. Students, faculty and staff have numerous opportunities throughout the year to lead and participate in professional development at internal and external conferences and workshops. The conferences and workshops directly link to developing DEI competencies and building student leadership competence. In addition, Building Bridges is an annual student-led conference at Baldwin that provides key learning experiences for all Upper School students, faculty and staff. The theme for Building Bridges 2024 was Vulnerability: Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable.