Breadcrumbs

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 and Equity and Gender Equity, Sexuality and 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. 

Learn More

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by Division

 

Professional Development for Faculty and Staff

 

Cheryl Irving Student Diversity Conference

Learn more about Penn Charter's annual student-led DEI conference.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Antonio Williams, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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

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

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

 

Highlighting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at PC

Feb. 17: Jerry Craft

New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal winner Jerry Craft will speak to PC students in grades 5 through 8.

March 7: Kevin Powell

Human and civil rights activist, author and entrepreneur Kevin Powell will deliver the keynote address at the second annual Cheryl Irving Student Diversity Conference on Saturday, March 7.

Mareena Snowden in a red shirt with the US Capitol Building behind her poses with hand on hip

Snowden, the first black woman to earn a PhD in nuclear engineering from MIT, will speak to Middle and Upper School students.

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

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

Zip Code Map and Data

Each year, Penn Charter draws families from more than 100 zip codes in metropolitan Philadelphia. View the map and data.