Caedmon has always enjoyed a certain “natural” diversity, thanks to its New York City home, its reputation within diplomatic circles, and the inclusive philosophy of its leadership. Nonetheless, our school has enthusiastically embraced this challenge being posed so vigorously by the climate of our times: to make diversity a more conscious and intentional cornerstone of its mission.

In the process, we at the school have learned that diversity is a much more complicated and compelling issue that any of us had previously imagined, with many more faces than mere race or religion. The parent-driven FACES of Diversity Committee that was formed in 2002 has wakened the community to more subtle, yet no less powerful faces of diversity, such as language and look-ism, family structure and sexual orientation, physical and intellectual capabilities, and cultural, spiritual, and economic diversities. In a very short time, the initiative has become an adventure for many Caedmon families, teachers, and staff, bringing us together in new ways that enrich both our curriculum and our community. As we learned last year from Mr. Gene Batiste, Vice President of Equity and Justice Initiatives at the National Association of Independent Schools: “ Diversity . . . should not be viewed as a goal, but as a process. This work never ends.”

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