Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board
"Words and promises are not enough;
real change and real progress have to be our goals.
We are committed to moving GFS to be proactively
anti-racist, acknowledging racism and inequities
where they exist,
and taking action to address them"
-Chris Hughes
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Message to the GFS COMMUNITY
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work at GFS: Vision Statement
At Garrison Forest School, the building and nurturing of an inclusive, antiracist campus is a vital component of our community and our Core Values. Our work to promote diversity, equity and inclusion is integral to every aspect of school life, and is essential to ensure that our campus is a place where all students feel welcomed, encouraged, supported and heard. As a key focus across our campus, diversity, equity and inclusion work at GFS examines our school-wide protocols, policies, practices and infrastructure with the goal of developing action plans that result in real and measurable progress.
This work is guided by three key pillars:
- Community Life and Care
- Pedagogy and Curriculum
- Recruitment, Retention and Support
Key Pillars and Initiatives
Announcements from the DEI Advisory Board
DEI Resources for Parents and Students
Along with the specific initiatives outlined above, the Office of Community Life and Inclusion will support students, parents and faculty and staff by providing resources to help facilitate courageous conversations and develop age-appropriate ways to engage students in these efforts. Similar resources have been provided to our faculty and staff.
Resources for Parents
31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance
100 Race-conscious things you can say to your child to advance racial justice
We Really Need White People to Talk to Their Kids about Racism
Talking to Kids About Racial Violence
Supporting Kids of Color In the Wake of Racialized Violence
How To Talk To Kids About Race: An Age by Age Guide
Resources for Middle and Upper School Students
10 Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Injustice
Our goal in hosting listening sessions is to hear input and experiences from all of our community members in a safe space. If you would prefer to submit your experience via this anonymous form, please click below:
Advisory Board Members
Chris Hughes (co-chair), Head of School
Carolyn Lewis (co-chair), Director of Community Life and Inclusion
Crystal Lee Alston '96, GFS Board of Trustee Member
Lauren Misera Anderson '02, Middle School Dean of Students
Jim Beam, Upper School Mathematics Teacher and Faculty Liaison to the Board of Trustees
Randy Beckford, Upper School Dean of Students
Shondra Cowling, Lower School Counselor
Meisha Dockett, Human Resources Manager
Jazmin Greene, Assistant Director of Admission
Vanessa Griffin, Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Kate Gugerty, Director of Community Engagement
Gail Hutton, Head of the Lower Division
Lisa Fleck, Director of Counseling
Gretta Gordy Gardner '86, GFS Board of Trustee Member
Reema Khanchandani, Head of the Upper School
Heather Malone-Wolf, Director of Dance
Shelly Placek, Director of Communications and Marketing
Shannon Schmidt, Head of the Middle School
Bryna Stoute, Preschool Teacher
Aminah Wells, Upper School Counselor