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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Princeton Day School aspires to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive community in which all members are seen, challenged, affirmed, respected and valued. 

In doing so, we actively engage in conversations about racism, antisemitism and other forms of religious discrimination, as well as discrimination that may be experienced by those who are gender nonconforming. 
 
At PDS, we strive to cultivate a feeling of belonging for everyone within our school community and believe such inclusion enriches us all. In cultivating this environment, we foster intellectual, social and emotional growth for all.
Student activity at the Eid celebration

A Commitment to Learning

Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to pursue professional development and participate in discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To engage in essential conversations and stay current with best practices and research, faculty and staff participate in conferences including:

  • National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
  • New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS)
  • Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE)
  • Advancing Independent Schools (ADVIS)
  • Resilience Literacy Institute
  • People of Color Conference (POCC)
  • New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
  • The Race Institute for K-12 Educators
  • We're Better Together student leadership conference
  • Widening The Lens

Community Multicultural Development Team

We aim to transcend mere tolerance of differences through creating and sustaining safe spaces for PDS students.

Composed of representatives from all three divisions, the Community Multicultural Development Team (CMDT) Chair and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, CMDT organizes and facilitates student programming rooted in cultural competency and social/emotional learning. Additionally, the team consults with school leadership in hiring decisions, curriculum development and faculty/staff affinity groups.

In classrooms, in clubs and affinity groups, in assemblies, through curriculum, and through other programming, CMDT works to support and sustain the growth and development for all constituents.

Upper school students during Diwali gathering

Upper School Affinity Groups

  • Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA)
  • Black Student Union (BSU)
  • Gender Creatives
  • Jewish Student Union (JSU)
  • Latinx Student Union (LSU)
  • Multiracial Student Union (MSU)
  • Muslim Student Association
  • PRIDE
Middle school students gathered at a table in the atrium

Middle School Affinity Groups

  • Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA)
  • Black Student Union (BSU)
  • Culturally Aware Student Association (CASA)
  • Gay/Straight Alliance Group (GSA)
  • Jewish Student Union (JSU)
  • Latinx Student Union (LSU)
  • Multiracial Affinity Group
  • Muslim Student Association
Students working together at a table and smiling

Meet the Team

Arielle Altchek

Arielle Altchek

LS Classical & Modern Languages Faculty, CMDT LS Representative
Victor Cirilo

Victor Cirilo

MS Humanities Faculty & CMDT Chair
Jonah Edwards

Jonah Edwards

MS Humanities Faculty, CMDT MS Representative
Amy Matlack

Amy Matlack

US Librarian, CMDT US Representative
Tony McKinley

Tony McKinley

Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion