DEIB at The Mount: Moving Forward with Intention
Stepping into 2022 with great optimism and intention, we are eager to share an update on Mount St. Dominic Academy’s continuing journey toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all.
Since the summer of 2020, the Mount’s founding commitment to seeking the truth in all aspects of life has been brought into renewed focus. With Caritas and Veritas – compassion and truth – as our guiding principles, we have set out on a path of community-wide self-discovery in order to create and foster an environment free of racism, bias, and discrimination of any kind, where our students feel comfortable being their authentic selves, celebrated and secure with a sense of belonging, with the foundation they need to excel at the Mount and beyond.
Much of the recent progress outlined below has grown out of structures and relationships put in place early on in the Mount’s move toward understanding and integrating DEIB at MSDA, some of which we’ve previously shared in The Mount Magazine and through other channels including:
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The creation of the DEIB Subcommittee of the MSDA Board of Trustees, led by Ms. Sandy Castor, MSDA Class of 2001 with alumnae, staff and trustees as members
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The identification and onboarding of professional DEIB consultant, Nika White Consulting, to expertly and thoughtfully guide the Mount through this process
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The formation of the MSDA DEIB Student Task Force to promote communication, trust and collaboration among peers, faculty and staff, moderated by faculty member and DEIB Coordinator, Ms. Nicole Perez, MSDA Class of 2010.
The Organizational Assessment
Over the course of the past year, Dr. Nika White, an award-winning management and leadership consultant recognized by Forbes Magazine as a Top 10 DEI Trailblazer for her work with more than 100 corporate, educational, government, and non-profit brands, has worked closely with the DEI Subcommittee of the board and members of the administration. A thorough organizational assessment of the Mount was undertaken to gauge the school culture and identify growth opportunities. The process of working with Dr. White included:
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A deep dive into school assets like the student and employee handbooks, policies, procedures
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A survey of all students and faculty to understand their Mount experiences through a DEI lens
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Focus groups with students, parents, faculty, and board members
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Mandatory foundational learning training sessions for all staff and faculty
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Training for the members of the MSDA DEI Strategic Planning Committee in preparation of their work on crafting and executing the Mount’s long-term and comprehensive, DEI Strategic Plan
Change Taking Place at Mount St. Dominic Academy
Informed by the data from the cultural assessment and training sessions, several positive steps have been made with the support of the aforementioned foundational committees, and a community-wide commitment to the work:
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The creation of resource banks for faculty and staff supporting culturally responsive practices and inclusive and equitable pedagogy
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Ongoing professional development with the most recent workshops taking place in fall 2021 entitled: Unpacking the Cultural Assessment, led by Ms. Perez and MSDA Principal Laura Hollenbaugh; and Unconscious Bias Training, facilitated by Kirsten S. Branigan and Carole Nowicki of KSBranigan Law P.C.
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Participation in the New Jersey Catholic School Diversity Conference in October 2021 by MSDA students, current parents, staff, faculty and alumnae
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Revisions to the Student Handbook, informed by the DEIB Student Task Force - to clarify articulated expectations regarding respectful behavior amongst community members; confirm systems of accountability; ensure equitable and inclusive dress code and discipline policies
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Ongoing curriculum audits and revisions to design curriculum through a DEIB lens; increasing diversity and perspectives within texts and lessons
Next Steps: Enrolling The Mount Community
Like one of the four Dominican pillars, study, this foundational work is an ongoing endeavor that has no end or finite conclusion. As we progress on this journey, we look forward to expanding the network of stakeholders engaged in our DEIB efforts to include our parent community. Our current students and families, along with our staff and faculty, drive our culture; by incorporating the life experiences and perspectives of our parent community we hope to expand our learning and awareness while creating an atmosphere of belonging for all.
We look forward to updating our community on a regular basis, but also hope this becomes an ongoing dialogue throughout our community. Please reach out to us at DEI@MSDAcademy.org with comments, questions or for information about committee involvement. We thank everyone who has partnered with us, helped us lean-in to learning, and offered grace during the process.
