Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Oakwood Friends School, we are deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, social justice, and anti-racism. Our teachers are trained in culturally responsive and justice-oriented learning practices, encouraging students to critically engage with the world around them, challenge inequities, and act with integrity.  Since our founding in 1796, this community has been committed to educating and giving voice. Early abolitionist students and faculty such as  Lucretia Mott and Daniel Anthony, led through their curriculum, action, and protest. The understanding of absolute and inherent dignity of all people informs our work to this day.

Here at Oakwood, we encourage our students to speak up for their beliefs and take pride in who they are. We actively seek to enroll a diverse group of students and proudly uphold a non-discrimination policy, honoring everyone’s race, religion, gender, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, family structure, or sexual orientation.

There are several ways that our students, faculty, families, and all members of our school community participate in activities related to DEI, Social Justice, and anti-racism. During weekly community meetings we gather as one group, often joined by guest speakers or organizations dedicated to social justice work. As part of the larger Hudson Valley New York community, we engage deeply with multiple community based organizations. 

Reflecting the experience of a student community that spans the globe, we engage in many activities aligned with heritage months such as:

• Latine Heritage Month
• Native American History Month
• Black History Month
• Arab-American Heritage Month
• Asian-American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Jewish Heritage Month
• Pride Month

Activities vary, are often student-driven, and include everything from speakers and singers, to food truck festivals, dessert bars, culture nights, trivia games, art activities, and more. 

Our students also take advantage of many off-campus events related to inclusivity. With proximity to New York City, local colleges and universities, and community events, our weekends provide opportunities for connections ranging from: Transgender Day of Visibility fashion show, PRIDE at Walkway Over the Hodson, an off-campus dinner to celebrate Lunar New Year, The People’s March for Women’s Rights, and an off-campus Iftar dinner celebrating the end of Ramadan. 

Likewise, examples of the affinity groups we provide are…

• Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)
• LGBT2IA+ (PRIDE)
• Women’s Affinity Group
• Jewish Affinity Group
• Neurodiversity Alliance 

Along with the various programming we provide, we also have policies and procedures that are inclusive and honor the whole child. Some examples include a gender-inclusive co-ed dorm, gender-neutral bathrooms throughout campus, and a culturally sensitive dress code policy.

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