Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

Through collaborative efforts and continuous dialogue, we strive to dismantle systemic barriers and challenge our own biases to foster a culturally competent and interconnected learning environment. We work to ensure that every student and educator feels heard, valued, and respected.

We define diversity as differences embodied in (but not limited to) age, ethnicity, race, family composition, gender, gender identity and expression, geographic origin, learning styles, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economics, and ideologies. We seek to prepare students to live in and contribute to their world by acknowledging and celebrating who they are and who they wish to become. In addition, given the profound inequalities of opportunity that still exist in our world, we strive to foster a respectful and welcoming school community for all, as a model for the challenges we all face each day as global citizens.

A major goal at Francis Parker is to provide students with a broad worldview and expose them to a myriad of diverse voices and perspectives. With this in mind, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work is embedded into our curriculum and classes. Within each division and department, the faculty takes time to discuss and document how DEIB topics manifest in the curriculum and pedagogy in order to ensure that we are constantly examining and evolving our practices. Our DEIB Directors meet regularly to discuss the work being done across divisions, ways to advance our practices, and continually look for new learning opportunities for all so that we are best prepared to engage in DEIB work.

• Affinity Group: African Americans Fighting Racism and Oppression (HS)
• Affinity Group: Q-Club (HS)
• Black Student Association (MS/HS)
• Common Ground (LS)
• Culture Club (MS) 
• Diversity Committee (MS)
• Frances Club (MS)
• Gender Rights and Equity Club (HS)
• Jewish Student Association (MS)
• Multicultural Student Association (HS)
• Queer Students Association (MS/HS) 

  LS = Lower School
  MS = Middle School
  HS = High School

One of Francis Parker’s strategic initiatives is to increase the diversity of all our major constituencies at the School. Top priority is for the student body to reflect the ethnic and racial makeup of the Metro Louisville population. We practice strategies for modeling and having conversations with students about complex and sometimes difficult topics. Throughout every school day, from celebrations in Morning Meeting, to student organization meetings, to the discussions in each classroom, we engage in continuous work to ensure that all voices are heard and affirmed, thereby truly living our values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.