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.
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 anti-racism, 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 of anti-bias, anti-racist pedagogy and practice for all constituents.
A Commitment to Learning
Faculty and staff are encouraged to actively participate in personal and professional development and engage in daily discussions surrounding topics of diversity, equity and inclusion.
To continue to engage in essential conversations and stay abreast of best practices and research, faculty and staff participate in a range of conferences including:
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- People of Color Conference (POCC)
- New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
- Diversity Conference
- White Privilege Conference
- The Race Institute for K-12 Educators
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 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
Lower School Affinity Groups
- Black Affinity Group
- Christian Affinity Group
- East Asian Affinity Group
- South Asian Affinity Group
- Jewish Affinity Group
- LatinX Affinity Group
- Muslim Affinity Group
- Neurodiverse Affinity Group
Meet the Team
Arielle Altchek
LS Classical & Modern Languages Faculty, CMDT LS Representative
Victor Cirilo
MS Humanities & CMDT Chair
Jonah Edwards
MS Humanities Faculty, CMDT MS Representative
Amy Matlack
US Librarian, CMDT US Representative
Tony McKinley
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion