Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Diversity mural (above), designed and painted by Peddie students, is proudly displayed in the Student Center. It was inspired by the variety of cultures, backgrounds and nationalities represented at Peddie.

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

Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Desmond Frost

Teacher, DEI Events and Logistics Coordinator, Head Coach, Girls Junior Varsity Tennis

Jacqueline Rivera

Assistant Director of Admission, Director of Multicultural Recruitment, DEI Coordinator for Affinity and Engagement

Morgan Spivey

Teacher, DEI Coordinator for Student Programs and Support

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.