Melissa Adeyemo '01 is pushing African film to the forefront.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
An integral part of DEI work at Peddie is understanding and navigating the relationship between the personal, interpersonal, and systemic.
We often use self-reflection and listening as an entry point into the work. By holding space for our individual stories and lived experiences, we acknowledge our interconnectedness as a larger community. Keeping community at the center of our work allows us to engage in discussion and programming that is thoughtful, intentional, and well-informed.
Programs and Initiatives
NEST Program
Pre-orientation programming is available for students who hold historically underrepresented identities in independent school. For more information contact nestprogram@peddie.org.
DEI Councils
Student DEI Council
Employee DEI Council
DEI Alumni Advisory Council
All-Gender Housing
An additional residential option is available where students of any gender identity or expression reside together.
DEI Day
One full class day each term is dedicated to intentional community programming and reflection on aspects of identity and belonging.
Bias Response Program
Reporting system and protocol has been implemented for bias incidents with a focus on accountability and restorative practices.
Affinity Groups
Affinity groups provide spaces for folks who share a common identity or experience to gather, connect, celebrate and collaborate.
Meet the Team
LaVern Burton
Desmond Frost
Jacqueline Rivera
Morgan Spivey
What is our vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion work at Peddie?
- Recognizing and addressing systemic inequities
- Incorporating more just and equitable structures, practices, and policies
- Building culturally responsive pedagogy
- Providing folks the care, guidance, and resources that they need to thrive
- A strong sense of belonging for all community members
AIM Recommendations
Beginning in Winter 2020, Peddie conducted the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM) in an effort to evaluate and understand more deeply the climate of inclusion on our campus. Students, parents, faculty and staff, alumni and trustees were invited to participate in a survey, and Peddie's AIM committee received the results in May of 2020. Following are the recommendations based on the results of the AIM survey:
- Provide the DDEI with the necessary resources and support.
- Implement an institution-wide reporting and accountability system for bullying, teasing and unjust, prejudiced, or discriminatory interactions.
- Increase the structural diversity of faculty, staff, administrators and trustees to represent the diversity of the student body.
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to DEI by reserving time and space to have ongoing conversations and to provide community members with the common vocabulary/tools necessary to engage fully.
- Evaluate and improve campus-facilitated interactions, advising/teaching practices and curriculum to ensure diverse representation, equity and inclusion.
- Expand campus wellness efforts to include ongoing community programming focused on wellness and student concerns.
- Evaluate and modify our physical plant, programs and school communications to provide an equitable, welcoming and validating experience for non-binary and LGBTQIA+ community members.
- Revise the strategic plan to include a section specifically focused on DEI initiatives.
Affinity groups
Click on each one to learn more.
The Latest
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Peddie students staged an emotional production of “The Laramie Project” in October, a show the theater department called a valuable play that opened up many conversations on campus.