Belonging at Blair
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our Commitment
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Blair is grounded in our mission—to know our students and to prepare them to thrive in a diverse and complex world that we believe they will make better. As a School, we’ve endeavored to be thoughtful and deliberate, to ensure our actions are meaningful, based on good counsel from diverse voices, research, and our community’s lived experiences and truths.
Compelled by the global movement for improving and protecting Black lives and in response to community feedback, we also have a renewed sense of urgency. We are accelerating our ongoing work toward meaningfully improving the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) experience at Blair. Blair Academy is grateful to the Black students, parents and alumni/ae who had reported stories that have spotlighted times when Blair has fallen short of ensuring every member of our community feels heard, seen, cared for and supported.
We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment that allows students and adults to be and express their authentic selves across all lines of identity and difference, that is anti-racist, that fosters meaningful understanding and deep relationships, and that ensures “ all in” and “all together” is a lived reality, not just a slogan. Our dedication to the dignity and humanity of all people is unwavering. And any words or actions that deny or demean the dignity and humanity of others have no place in our community.
The Inclusivity Committee
Selected based on their roles at the School and their perspective, the 10 faculty members and two Trustees who serve on Blair's Inclusivity Committee often consult with Dr. Tim McCarthy, Blair's scholar-in-residence, and meet regularly with Blair's Head of School.
The group, which convenes weekly, promotes a sense of belonging in the community, fosters the momentum of DEI work across campus, and serves as a resource to adults and students for that work. Its meetings provide a forum for discussion, and the Committee acts as a planning and advocacy group for diversity, equity and inclusion matters. Committee members are also charged with the development and execution of DEI programs, review of hiring practices and other work to promote empathy across our community.
Committee members include:
- Dave Facciani, International Student Academic Monitor
- The Rev. David Harvey, Blair Trustee
- Hannah Higgin, PhD, History Teacher
- Joyce Lang, Language Department Chair
- Joe Mantegna, Associate Dean of College Counseling
- Sharon Merrifield, Mindfulness Teacher/Health & Wellness Teacher
- Nathan Molteni, Dean of Academics
- Ryan Pagotto, Associate Head of School
- Andee Ryerson, Associate Dean of Students
- Maria Savettiere, Trustee
- Leucretia Shaw, Dean of Strategic Initiatives (Chair)
- Ally Thomas, Director of Counseling
Action Steps
Below are the important steps we are and will be taking immediately in furtherance of key priority initiatives from our Strategic Plan, understanding that our work and future steps will continue to evolve as we evaluate what is most effective and listen to our community’s experiences, stories and ideas.
School-Wide Programs & Initiatives
- DEI Training
- AIM Survey
- All-School Read
- Black History Month Programming
- Counseling
- Curricular Changes
- Race Relations Forums
- Society of Skeptics
- Speakers & Thought Partners
- Student-Run Organizations & Clubs
- 21-Day Challenge