Advance Your Equity and Justice Efforts at NAIS Events
NAIS offers comprehensive programs around diversity, equity, and inclusion work, including the People of Color Conference, Diversity Leadership Institute, Emergent Design Lab, and more.
NAIS Resource Guide: Inclusion and Belonging
You don’t need research to tell you that diverse and inclusive communities benefit everyone—but that’s exactly what the studies show. Independent schools are uniquely positioned to be a model for the entire education industry. Help ensure your school is a welcoming place for all with the help of NAIS’s many equity and justice-focused tools, resources, publications, and events.
Start Here
Benchmark Your School's Diversity and Inclusion With AIM and DASL
AIM: The NAIS Assessment of School Culture, the DASL Student and Employee Diversity report, the Diversity Dashboard, and DASL Databook provide benchmarks and help you reflect on your school community.
Review Best Practices for Equity and Justice
Guidelines for independent schools to create and sustain diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just communities that are safe and welcoming for all.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Work in Independent Schools
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging help all students and adults in a school community thrive. NAIS supports the work of its 1,900 member schools and associations in this important work.
Deep Dive
Talking with Your Community About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work
Many schools are grappling with how to best communicate about their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. These tips are designed to help you frame discussions.
Explore Thought Leadership on Race, Diversity, Inclusion, Well-Being, and More
Recent Independent School magazine issues include "A Conversation About Racism, Schools, Systems, and Necessary Change," "Diversity and Inclusion: Where Are We Now?" and "Community Health & Well-Being."
2023-2024 State of the Diversity Practice in Independent Schools
Learn more about diversity practices and find action steps your school can take to facilitate this work.
People of Color and Women in Independent School Headship
Get suggestions for schools to understand and support aspiring leaders who are people of color and women. You can also find key takeaways for aspiring heads from the 2021 NAIS State of Independent School Leadership Survey.
Planning for a Sustainable Future: Investing in a Culture of Well-Being for Students of Color for Today and the Future
Learn how schools can better invest in the social-emotional and academic well-being of students now, leading to happier and healthier adults—as well as alumni who are committed to supporting their alma maters.
Community Health and Well-Being Through a Racial Equity Lens and the Twin Pandemics Impacting Schools and Society
This session offers trustees and school leaders a roadmap for applying the lenses of racial equity and community well-being to their governance and leadership responsibilities in the face of COVID-19 and institutionalized racism.
Legal Protections for LGBTQ Employees and Guidance for Creating Diverse and Welcoming Workplaces
Get an overview of legal developments and insight for schools seeking to build a more inclusive workforce.
Supporting Transgender Students in Independent Schools
School leaders know being proactive about diversity and inclusion yields the most effective outcomes, and this applies to the complexities of gender as well.
Access for People With Disabilities
NAIS President Donna Orem explores the legal requirements related to students and employees with disabilities, and how to broaden the way schools think about access.
Election Season, Politics on Campus, and Civil Discourse
How do you nurture open and respectful dialogue in your school during election season and beyond? These resources will help you understand challenges and opportunities for your school.
Additional Resources
Member Voices: Cultivating Diverse and Inclusive Communities Miniseries
Hear from experienced heads of school in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this series. You can also find episodes on DEI topics from NAIS's New View EDU and The Trustee Table podcasts.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Global Education: Pedagogy, Programs, and Cultural Humility
Explore the overlap between diversity, equity, and inclusion work and global education, where they differ, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Consider Anti-Bias Handbook Policies
While independent schools may already have policies against harassment and discrimination, some may be considering addressing anti-bias and anti-racism. Get guidance on creating such policies.
Keep Disability Accommodations, Mental Health, and Support of Transgender Students In Mind When Reviewing Handbooks
It's a good time to review handbook policies on accommodations for students and staff with disabilities, mental health concerns, and supporting gender nonconforming students.
Magazine and Blog Articles
- The Conversation: Is Momentum for Equity and Justice Work Waning?
- Research Insights: Using the Black@ Instagram Archive to Improve Schools
- Equitable Grading: Grading Is Due for an Overhaul
- A Powerful Combo: Diversity, Equity, and Belonging and Mind, Brain, and Education
- The Problem with Inclusion: Time to Shift to Belonging
- Moving From Diversity to Justice
- Taking the Long View to Eliminate Systemic Racism: A Systems Thinking Approach
- Sponsorship: Diversifying the Pipeline of Emerging Leaders
- Strengthening the Role of the DEI Practitioner
- The State of LGBTQ Leadership in U.S. Independent Schools