Diversity, Equity 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.
Despite that history, our community is not immune from the racism, sexism, homophobia and intolerance that challenge this city and nation. Our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work is ongoing, unfinished.
DEI Task Forces
In July, 2020, Penn Charter formed two DEI task forces – Race & Equity and Gender Equity, Sexuality & Consent – with the goal of identifying and addressing the policies, procedures and practices that uphold systemic racism, sexism and other oppressive and discriminatory attitudes and beliefs. Each task force is made up of Penn Charter board members, senior administration, faculty, staff, students, OPCs and parents. Ultimately, each task force is responsible for recommending action steps to the board, head of school, and/or other school leadership groups, as appropriate, to improve Penn Charter’s educational program, school culture and work environment as related to race and gender.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by Division
Bias Response Protocol
The Bias Response Protocol was created to provide a guideline on how to address and report a bias incident. Regardless if the person witnessed or if it was reported to them, it is our responsibility as upstanding members of the community to act. The steps laid out in the protocol will assist faculty and administrators in the process.
The Bias Response Protocol form is available to faculty, staff and students in the Hub.
The purpose of this protocol is to:
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Respond to all bias-related incidents
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Create and share proactive measures in maintaining a positive and inclusive school climate
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Take restorative measures as needed
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Have a finger on the pulse of the school culture
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Maintain the connection between students, administrators, and faculty around topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion
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Discuss support options for students
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Provide support to the Division Directors and Assistant Division Directors
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Provide support and share resources with faculty and students
This protocol was not created to circumvent the disciplinary process but to run parallel to any disciplinary actions taken by the school. The purpose of the Bias Response Protocol is clearly to identify the steps faculty and administrators should take in the event of a bias incident. Any incident of harassment will follow the policy found in the handbook.
Why did we create it?
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Protect every person in the community.
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Rebuild trust.
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Create a process that focuses on restorative justice.
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Provide teachers with clear guidelines on how to respond and report bias incidents
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Create the School Inclusion Committee to provide support to the students, teachers, and administration.
Cheryl Irving Student Diversity Conference
Learn more about Penn Charter's annual student-led DEI conference.
Professional Development for Faculty and Staff
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Antonio Williams, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Naveena Bembry, Lower School Diversity Coordinator, Coordinator: Independent School Teaching Fellows Program of Greater Philadelphia
Janique Timmons, Lower School Diversity Coordinator, Lower School Math Coordinator
Hannah Horton, Middle School Diversity Coordinator, Middle School Health, Wellness and Sexuality Educator
Jim Fiorile, Middle School Diversity Coordinator, Middle School Latin Teacher
Ruth McGee, Upper School Diversity Coordinator, Visual Arts and Design Teacher
Michael Aviles, Upper School Diversity Coordinator, Upper School Science Teacher
Highlighting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at PC
The work of the Parent and Caregiver Community reflects a growing attention to inclusivity at Penn Charter.
PC gathers for socially distanced service and remembrance of Dr. King.
Penn Charter parent Jennifer Sokoloff talks with senior Amani Rivers about her experience attending a virtual summit on sexual assault and consent.
A collaboration between an Upper School English teacher and PC's new health, wellness and human sexuality educator shows how topics of gender equity, sexuality and consent inform teaching and learning at Penn Charter.
Emma Cohen-Westbrooke is Penn Charter’s first Health, Wellness and Human Sexuality Educator.
New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal winner Jerry Craft will speak to PC students in grades 5 through 8.
PC gathers for socially distanced service and remembrance of Dr. King.
PC welcomes Talusan for a virtual conversation with parents on anti-racism, privilege and power.
Penn Charter leaders decry social injustice, call to promote antiracism.
Find links and a book list to help guide conversations about racism and equality with children of any age.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Antonio Williams, Director of Diversity, Equity 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
Bayard Rustin
Below, consider these ways to engage.
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."