DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
Cape Fear Academy believes that a diverse and inclusive community is an essential element of a successful educational experience. Diversity strengthens a community by cultivating a richness of ideas, a broadening of perspectives, and a respect for others. We are committed to building and sustaining a faculty, student body, and school culture which reflect the variety of talents, perspectives and backgrounds in the greater community around us. In doing so, we prepare our students to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.
-Adopted by the Cape Fear Academy Board of Trustees, Jan. 2019
What is Diversity & Inclusion?
Diversity: Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs. (Ferris State University)
Other areas of diversity to consider: geographic origin, intelligences, health, culture, statements of fact, education, uniqueness
Inclusion: a process of bringing people together from various backgrounds and creating an environment of success for all people.
Other understandings of inclusion to consider: fairness, respect, belonging, welcoming, comfort, accommodation, access, acceptance, authenticity, truth, empathy, flexible, affirmation, not bare minimum tolerance, embracing, warmth, confidence
The Benefits of a Diverse & Inclusive School
Our commitment to developing a diverse and inclusive community is an ongoing element of our work to be a school of excellence. Cape Fear Academy’s commitment to cultivating diversity and fostering inclusion is grounded in decades of research that these efforts promote:
Academic Excellence
All students develop strong critical thinking skills by engaging with diverse perspectives and ideas.
Diverse perspectives introduce new ideas, thereby nurturing creativity and innovation.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Reaching and maintaining full enrollment can be achieved by attracting and retaining students from diverse backgrounds throughout the greater Wilmington area, thereby securing the school’s long-term financial health.
An inclusive workplace attracts, develops and retains talented faculty and staff, positioning the school as the local employer of choice among educators.
COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE
An inclusive environment creates a secure and affirming educational experience and enables students and staff to succeed.
Cross-cultural learning environments prepare students for college and life, as they learn to navigate differences with respect, develop resilience, communicate with integrity, and take accountability for their choices.
Diversity & Inclusion Resources
Growth Mindset Vs. Fixed Mindset | Waking Up White, Debby Irving | Race the Power of An Illusion-Parts 1-3, PBS | Introvert Power, Dr. Laurie Helgoe | The Ability Curve | Between the World and Me, Ta Nehesi Coates | Revolutionize Now: Creative Leadership & Action for Social Change, Jada Drew | Enhancing LGBT Friendliness | An Accessible Process for Inclusive Design, Google | Inclusion, Exclusion, Illusion and Collusion : Helen Turnbull | Focus Group Questions
- The Five Major World Religions – Video
- 6 Misconceptions about Native American People – Video
- Race: The Power of an Illusion- The House We Live In – Video
- The Real Reasons the US Became Less Racist Towards Asian Americans – Video & Article
- Safe Space Kit – Guide
- Conservative Educators- Blog Post
- Addressing Transgender Issues in Schools – Article
- Can You See Me? – Video
- The Danger of a Single Story – Video
- What White Children Need to Know About Race- Article
- 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge- Worksheet
- There is No Apolitical Classroom: Resources for Teaching in These Times (National Council for Teachers of English) – Resources
- Checklist for Inclusive Practices by Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee – Checklist – Slideshow
- Group Formation- Tuckman
- Developing a Bias-Aware Admission Process – Article
- Culturally Relevant Leadership – Article
- 5-Step Approach to Aligning Hiring Diversity Goals – Article
- Why Diversity Matters-McKinsey Report – Article
- Three Ways to Become a Culturally Responsive Teacher – Article
- Bina Venkataraman on How to Think Ahead from Curious Minds: Innovation in Life and Work – Podcast