Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs Statement on
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our Mission Statement
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs values the healthy
development of the whole individual in mind, body, and spirit.
Through a focus on academics, music, art, and movement,
our bountiful curriculum -- based on established and evolving
Waldorf principles -- inspires creative thought, discourse,
human connections, and experiential learning. We graduate
global citizens who have initiative, social responsibility,
and enthusiasm for life.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to continually examining our school community
to ensure diversity is honored, inclusivity is ubiquitous, and equity
is fundamental through our words, actions, relationships,
curriculum, and policies.
Central to our mission is a developmentally-appropriate education where students are viewed through a holistic lens and an in-depth curriculum that inspires thinking from multiple perspectives. In addition, we seek the cultivation of global citizens who are allies for positive change and advocates for equity and justice.
It is not possible to understand each member of our community holistically without affirming and respecting their diversity of culture, ethnicity, race, language, religion, family structure, socioeconomic status, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability status, and learning styles. We believe diversity expands our thinking, enriches our culture, and deepens our compassion. We reject any view in which humans are not viewed or treated with equity, as well as discrimination in any form.
The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), our parent organization, states: "Waldorf education espouses principles of respect for human dignity. Any narratives or indications made by Rudolf Steiner that are in contradiction to these principles are not the basis for Waldorf education and we unequivocally denounce such statements." The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is in full support of this statement.
Developing a diverse curriculum that challenges students to understand differing perspectives requires our faculty and staff and institution to thoroughly examine our own biases and privileges and how they impact our pedagogy and community. We are committed to this necessary work and place equity and inclusion centrally in all that we do.
We are dedicated to making our education as accessible as possible to open doors for all who want this education. We take our role of nurturing and guiding our students to be global citizens seriously. Our school intends to model for the students a community where diversity, equity, and inclusion permeate through our relationships, curriculum, and policies. It is of utmost importance to us that all members of our community feel welcome, are able to express themselves, are heard, understood, and supported.
Resources
The Danger of the Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (TED talk)
Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk? by Beverly Daniel Tatum (TEDxStanford)
Joaquin Munoz: Talking with Youth About Race, Racism and Anti-Racism (Zoom discussion with the WSSS community)
