Our commitment
The Ithaca Waldorf School welcomes a diverse community which includes a range of nationalities, gender and social identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, racial identifications, family structures, belief systems, religions, ages, abilities, languages, and political affiliations. By forming an inclusive and supportive school community, we strive to create an educationally and morally healthy social life. (Adopted by Faculty, March 18, 2021)*
The Ithaca Waldorf School is a gender-affirming institution. Waldorf pedagogy is based in supporting students as they develop in every aspect of their being. IWS follows New York state guidelines to foster a safe, inclusive learning environment for all. (Adopted by Faculty, June 17, 2024)
*Here at Ithaca Waldorf School, we also unequivocally denounce any statements made by Rudolf Steiner that do not honor all human dignity.
Mandate for the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Committee (DEIJ) of the Ithaca Waldorf School
PURPOSE
To further the Ithaca Waldorf School Diversity Statement (see above*).
Responsibilities:
1. To promote the growth of an inclusive community at the Ithaca Waldorf School.
2. To support and engage in active conversations around inclusion and equity.
3. To commit to looking within ourselves for ways to broaden an awareness, understanding and appreciation of others’ perspectives.
4. To engage in healthy conflict resolution, working with and out of compassion.
5. To actively develop an anti-bias, anti-racist attitude within ourselves and our students.
6. To create and promote awareness of all sources of bias, including but not limited to internet, print and social media.
7. To ensure that the school and the classroom environments reflect the diversity of the student body and the wider Ithaca community by ensuring that students and all families see themselves reflected within the fabric of the school.
8. To have Waldorf students known as individuals who advocate for others, appreciate differences, and feel responsible for being caretakers within the world.
9. To maintain a healthy practice of self-reflection, reviewing our actions and interactions so that they strengthen the social health of the school.
10. To create a space for healthy dialogue.
11. To support innovative and refreshing advances within and around Waldorf education including, but not limited to the curriculum and daily rhythms.
12. To share with families, staff, faculty and board members resources which are inclusive and equitable, thereby supporting the IWS Diversity Statement.
Reports to: the IWS Faculty
2023-24 Membership: Recommended Chair – IWS Faculty member
Victoria Dehan (Chair), Kaori Teramura, Emily Butler, Liz Hess, Sage Rood, Gloria Coicou, Koral Hooser, Deborah Levy, Laura Hayes
If you would like to join out DEIJ Committee, please email office@ithacawaldorf.org.
The Ithaca Waldorf School is also a gender-affirming institution. Waldorf pedagogy is based in supporting students as they develop in every aspect of their being. IWS follows New York state guidelines to foster a safe, inclusive learning environment for all.
Adopted by Faculty, June 17, 2024
