Educational Equity
ISAAGNY is a proud proponent of inclusive and equitable admissions processes. Every member school is expected to promote access and opportunities for all families seeking an independent school experience for their children. We welcome diversity and embrace differences, including--but not limited to--those of race, ethnicity, family structure, physical ability, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity, and any characteristic protected by applicable law.
How do ISAAGNY members uphold a commitment to authentic and tangible advocacy?
- DEI+ Mandate: When a school joins ISAAGNY, all members of their admissions and leadership teams gain access to our communications, events, and resources. In order to maintain that access, team members must satisfy our annual DEI+ mandate by participating in a qualifying workshop or book club session.
- A "qualifying workshop" addresses the topic of anti-racism, implicit bias, and/or educational equity, is presented by an officially recognized organization or speaker, and takes place during the relevant year of ISAAGNY membership. Our in-house suite of professional development events features several qualifying workshops, though members can also participate in an outside session of their choosing.
- Our book club has read Jodie Patterson's The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation and Raquel Willis' The Risk It Takes To Bloom: On Life and Liberation. We were honored to have both authors join us to share their stories!
- Professional Development: Our suite of professional development events prominently features experts in educational and admissions-based equity. We're proud to have partnered with Center for Racial Justice in Education, Jason Craige Harris, Jennifer Bryan, Orinthia Swindell, and more.
- Equity Committees: ISAAGNY members comprise our Antiracism and Equity Committee, while our trustees comprise our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Both groups consider admissions through a lens of equity, and in doing so, promote actionable change within the organization at large.
- Parent Support: ISAAGNY members collaborate to offer free, virtual support to prospective parents. We recognize how daunting the admissions process can be, and believe that the information provided in our newsletters and workshops can help to clarify it.
Nondiscrimination Policy
ISAAGNY member schools admit students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan payments, athletic programs, and other school administered programs.