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Changing lives through the transformative power of art

Our Culture

������ý Foundation Anti-Racism Statement

Racism is deep-rooted in American society and has historically been embedded and perpetuated by Independent and Boarding Schools. ������ý acknowledges and recognizes all forms of racism: interpersonal, cultural, institutional and systemic.

������ý educates Citizen Artists who seek to change traditional structures, both within and outside the arts. Therefore, we at ������ý, commit to eradicating all policies and practices that tolerate or promote racism.

We at ������ý commit to work to create an intentionally anti-racist community.

We at ������ý will strive daily to eliminate systemic biases that target people of color, cultural and ethnic groups, who have been historically and presently disenfranchised and disempowered.

We thereby will dedicate resources and time to build an inclusive community.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Collaborative

IAF’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) collaborative is represented by all stakeholders across the organization. It was formed in the fall of 2022 in order to summarize and implement the results of the AIMS (Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism Survey). The survey addressed the attitudes, perceptions, and structures unique to independent schools. Participation in the survey allowed ������ý to compare data points with other independent schools that have utilized the AIM Climate Survey to address DEI and Belonging efforts within their community. The DEIB works collaboratively to advocate for and continually reinforce the tenets outlined in the Anti-Racism Statement in order to dismantle systemic structures that underpin racism, biases, and socioeconomic disparities.

Anti-Racism Policy in Action

Intentionally designed as an international arts institution, ������ý has always been culturally diverse. We proudly and fully commit to continually strengthening Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for all members of the IA community. That means finding concrete ways to address the needs of all IA community members. Some examples of this work include:

• Nearly half of the school leadership positions are held by women of color. 
• Dedicated staff oversee DEIB work and create a community of respect and inclusion.
• An Admissions staff member is devoted to the recruitment and retention of diverse students. 
• Our Community of Respect Charter helps facilitate dialogue, ensure academic freedom, and create a culture of “calling in” as opposed to “calling out.”
• All department chairs integrate DEIB goals into their overall Department Goals.
• Our Native American curriculum honors Indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Early U.S. History is taught from the Native American perspective in the junior year.
• We build partnerships with diverse communities, including tribal communities and artists’ groups such as Lula Washington Dance Theatre and the Voices of our City Choir.
• Our Art in Society program advocates for change for those that are marginalized.

We Continue to Learn

As reflected in our Anti-Racism Statement, we will continue to dedicate both resources and time to build an inclusive community. We recognize that this work is perpetually ongoing, and that we must continue to prove to our community and stakeholders, through our actions, that we are serious about making tangible differences that are reflected in our Employee and Student Handbook, employee hiring practices and salaries, curriculum offerings, classroom atmosphere, student life, faculty culture, and all facets of ������ý on and off campus.