Inclusion
At Dunn School, Inclusion is not a special interest. It's an integral component to accomplishing our mission of Whole Student Education — baked into our entire approach, from curriculum to activities, campus and dorm life, athletics, and all the way down to dining.
Making sure students feel seen, heard and known allows them to unlock Dunn's core values — emotional wellness, physical readiness, intellectual growth, social responsibility and moral courage — from within, giving them the freedom to become the best version of themselves.
Building Community and Inclusivity
In response to the tragic events of October 7, 2023, we took proactive measures to ensure that our community remained a place of understanding, learning, and support.
Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of our student body, which includes individuals from 24 different countries, Dunn School leveraged its unique community to foster rich dialogues and educational experiences. We invited a diverse array of speakers to campus to engage students in meaningful discussions about the complexities of global conflicts and historical events.
Engaging and Educating Through Dialogue
Shortly after the attacks, we initiated a structured series of educational engagements using our all-school seminar periods. This series began with a dynamic fishbowl conversation featuring a historian and practicing Muslim alongside a humanitarian who is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. Their dialogue provided context and perspectives necessary for students to understand the unfolding events in the Middle East.
Subsequent sessions included discussions facilitated by representatives from the Anti-Defamation League, who helped students navigate the complex historical and terminological landscape. We also hosted professors, rabbis, and educators who shared diverse Jewish, Arab, and Muslim perspectives.
Real-World Learning Experiences
To deepen the understanding of the conflict in the Middle East, our middle school students visited the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum, while students in grades 8-12 toured the Museum of Tolerance. These experiences allowed students to engage with historical facts and complexities, enriching their dialogue and comprehension.
Creating a Culture of Understanding
By fostering these conversations, Dunn School has created an environment where students can express differing viewpoints respectfully and thoughtfully. This approach not only supports our mission to educate the Whole Student but also prepares our students to navigate and contribute to a diverse and interconnected world.
Looking Forward
We are committed to continuing this inclusive dialogue. This fall, we are excited to welcome Irshad Manji, founder of the Moral Courage College, to our campus. Her work focuses on embracing paradox and maintaining relationships with those who hold different views.
At Dunn School, inclusion isn't just an initiative—it's integral to our educational mission, ensuring every student feels welcome, understood, and valued.