diversity, equity, and Inclusivity
A Collective Sense of Purpose and Commitment
Our mission “to inspire girls and young women to become game changers and ethical leaders who forge an equitable, sustainable, and joyous future” compels us to see that equity and community life is everyone’s work at Hewitt. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity stand as foundational commitments that guide every aspect of our teaching and learning. These institutional values inform our pedagogy, foster personal growth, and cultivate belonging. We believe that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community is essential to educating girls and young women to be positive contributors and citizens of the world.
Hewitt empowers and expects our community members to embrace multiple points of view, to engage others with empathy and integrity, and to champion equity and justice in all areas of our lives.
As a school dedicated to the education and leadership of girls and young women, we believe that there are many ways to be a girl or a young woman, and that the strength of our community depends on all students experiencing healthy development and a sense of belonging. To learn more, read our Statement on Gender Diversity.
The Search for Hewitt’s Next Director of Equity and Community Life
A cross-constituency search committee is working with Sherry Coleman and Staci Williams Seeley of Storbeck Search to lead a national search for Hewitt’s next director of equity and community life. Meanwhile, we are delighted to be working with two nationally-renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders, Martha Haakmat and Jason Craige Harris, as consultants to Hewitt for the 2022-2023 school year. Both Martha and Jason have extensive track records of success in New York City independent schools, and our community is enjoying learning from them this year.
Learn more about Martha, Jason, and their work with Hewitt.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity Programs
OUR K-12 CURRICULUM
Commitment to Anti-Racism
In June 2020, The Hewitt School convened an Anti-Racism Task Force chaired by our director of equity and community life and comprised of students, alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, and trustees. The Task Force worked throughout the summer and fall of 2020 to evaluate and recommend school-wide protocols, policies, systems, and infrastructure to ensure that Hewitt becomes an actively anti-racist school. In November 2020, the Anti-Racism Task Force presented formal recommendations in the areas of Pedagogy and Curriculum, Community and Care, and Leadership and Governance, which the Board of Trustees unanimously approved.
We know that the work to become an anti-racist school is ongoing, and we are committed to continued learning and growth. Below are some of the ways that Hewitt has already taken action around the Anti-Racism Task Force’s recommendations.