A brief, incomplete and interactive history of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in US independent schools

• 1628: The 1st private school (Collegiate School, Manhattan, NY) is founded.

• 1963: The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) is founded.

• Early 1980’s: The Office of Minority Affairs at NAIS is created.

• In 2017: “The responses and written comments to the 2017 Diversity Practitioner Survey suggest that diversity practice is a role that, at many schools, is still in the process of growth, formalization, and professionalization” (NAIS, 2017 NAIS Diversity Practitioner Survey).

DEI practice in independent schools is less than 40 years old. In comparison:

• When do you think the first admissions position/office was created?

• How about the first development position/office?

While schools typically have designated admissions and development practitioners, it’s also typical that entire school communities—from trustees to employees to families—understand their roles and expectations in these areas of school life.

What will it take for everyone in your school community to understand their role and responsibility for DEI?