Diversity, Equity & 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.
Inclusion Lab, Santa Barbara County
Founded by Dunn Head of School Kalyan Balaven, the Inclusion Lab is a joint collaboration between public and independent schools in Santa Barbara County with the expressed purpose of progressing inclusion efforts across the board.
In addition to meeting, the Lab establishes professional development opportunities for educators within the County borders and beyond aimed at providing practical tips for participants to implement for immediate gains — such as Prof. Irshad Manji's workshop on understanding through empathy titled, "Inclusion Through Moral Courage."
“Without inclusion of those from all corners of life, our society and our nation is not as strong as it can be. The welcoming of all ideas and backgrounds makes for a better world, one where humanity is prioritized over politics and class differentiation.”
— Hilda Maldonado, Santa Barbara Unified School District Superintendent
“I am thrilled about participating with the Inclusion Lab.Our colleagues working in harmony to provide inclusive and equitable school communities can support each other in our journey to provide the most engaging and welcoming learning environment.”
— Christina Broderick, Riviera Ridge Head of School
To get involved with the Inclusion Lab, reach out.
Kal Balaven, Dunn Head of School & Inclusion Lab Founder
Events
Bestselling author, renowned educator and Emmy nominated journalist Irshad Manji is leading a free workshop designed to give local educators practical skills to resist the lure of an us-vs.-them mindset.
Titled “Inclusion Through Moral Courage” and sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Inclusion Lab, the 90-minute professional development event will take place virtually at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022.
Manji will guide participants in drawing from their own lives as the challenge of understanding and being understood in times of awkward tension, high emotion or deep division is explored. The actionable tools shared in the workshop will help to turn different, even clashing perspectives into opportunities to relate.
The Whole Student Podcast
The Whole Student offers notable people the chance to share the story of the teachers who influenced them — who made them feel seen, heard and known — shaping them into the leaders they are today.
Join Kal Balaven, the Head of School at Dunn School in Los Olivos, Calif., for a heartfelt, sincere and often surprising trip through the educational experiences of his guests in this short-form podcast brought to you by the DunnCast network. Dunn School was founded on the idea of Whole Student Education, and, for more than 60 years, has been accomplishing its mission through the elevation of five Core Values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility and Moral Courage.
Dining
What use is sharing a feast if not everyone can participate?
At Dunn, we craft meal and snack times around the principle that the entire community must be included.
Vegan, gluten-free and Halal options give all a place at the table.
Featured Writing & Media
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