Breadcrumbs

Diversity and Inclusion

 

A school community that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented and valued. Statement of Philosophy

A Multifaceted Understanding of Diversity

Penn Charter seeks to build a community representing diversity in race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, gender, sexual orientation — as well as learning style, opinion and hometown.

When you walk through Penn Charter's red doors, there is a reason our formal-looking school suddenly feels down to earth: the people. Penn Charter was founded not for some people, but for all people. That is as true today as it was in 1689. Penn Charter was one of the first schools to open to children of all religions and races, among the first to educate girls and to offer financial aid.

The "Big 14"

The "Big 14" are core social identifiers that we can use to better understand and discuss the diverse identities that make up our community:

  • Ability
  • Age
  • Appearance
  • Body image
  • Culture
  • Ethnicity
  • Gender
  • Gender expression
  • Gender identity
  • Home language
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Sexual orientation
  • Social class

Highlighting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at PC

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Antonio Williams, Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Lower School

Naveena Bembry, Lower School Diversity Coordinator, Fifth Grade Teacher
Jessica Stusnick-Czyzewski, Lower School Diversity Coordinator, First Grade Teacher

Middle School

Holly Silberman, Middle School Diversity Coordinator, Middle and Upper School English Teacher
Shelby Tucker, Middle School Diversity Coordinator, Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Upper School

Ruth McGee, Upper School Diversity Coordinator, Visual Arts and Design Teacher

 

Get Involved

"You have to join every other movement for the freedom of people."
Bayard Rustin

Use the Diversity Calendar on this page and attend an event. And, below, consider these other ways to engage.

Join Groups

Student Groups

Asian Student Association
Black Student Union
Club Shalom
Diversity Council
Gender Equality Club
Melanin Magic
Multiracial Student Association
Religious Life Club
Spanish and Latino Association
Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA)

DEI Bookshelf

Attend Events

Calendar

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The Treaty Elm

In front of the school stands a tree that is a direct descendent of the great elm tree under which William Penn is said to have signed a treaty of friendship with the Lenni Lenape.

Just like that tree, we are deeply rooted in time-honored human values of mutual respect, equality and community that are not open for compromise. This is who we are.

As one of our teachers has said, "That's what I like about coming to school every day. I know that there are some things here that will always be open for improving, but there are some things here that will never change."