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Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion




At Upland, we believe in preparing our students to thrive in a diverse and multicultural society. We believe education can be a force for positive change. And we believe in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of “the Beloved Community”—one in which understanding and goodwill make their full transformative power felt in the world. As a school community, we are working together to put these beliefs into action.
 
At the center of our effort is a committee comprised of faculty, trustees, and students, led by our Coordinator of Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion. The idea behind our efforts is that embracing diversity means more than focusing on the demography of our school community. Its aim is to help lead efforts across the school focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; recognizing barriers that stand in the way of social justice, and equipping students with the tools they need to be culturally competent citizens.


We hope our work will have an impact in several ways: 

 
  • As a resource center for Upland educators as they work to enrich curricula
  • In recognizing and celebrating significant cultural events and practices
  • In supporting professional development related to allyship in creating classrooms where students feel included, safe, and recognized for their uniqueness
  • In promoting diversity in the school’s administration, hiring, and enrollment goals and practices
  • In ensuring school traditions are inclusive

    • Upland 2022 Diversity & Inclusion

An Institutional Commitment

Part of our most recent strategic goals is "inclusivity and wellness." In this, we seek to "Develop individuals of kindness and character who value physical and mental well-being and who respect and advocate for the inclusion of those with diverse backgrounds and experiences."

“This is about more than race. It’s about understanding all the many differences in our beliefs, backgrounds, and perspective that we bring into the classroom and the school community.”
-Heather Cooper, English teacher
 
“Working in age-appropriate ways, we aim to equip Upland students with the curiosity and courage to promote justice and fairness in our society.”
-Liam Gallagher, Director of Innovation & Community Engagement
 
“These goals have been woven through the learning process at Upland for a long time. Our goal now is to be more intentional and explicit and make our commitment really sustained and successful.”
-Emily Neilson '04, Director of Advancement