Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core components of Chandler’s mission to promote academic challenge within a nurturing environment. Our commitment to DEI prepares Chandler students to be successful problem solvers, critical thinkers, and transformative leaders in our diverse and interconnected world.

AT CHANDLER, WE STRIVE TO:

Cultivate learning experiences that are robust, challenging and affirming
Support each of our community members in feeling seen, heard, honored and valued
Empower our students, employees and families to identity, interrupt and eliminate bias
Evaluate and develop new and existing policies, practices and programs that promote equity and belongingness

DEI Events at Chandler

Signature Programs

We Are United - Cultural Recognitions Parent Education
Anti-Bias Curriculum Redesign Cohort

We Are United - Cultural Recognitions Parent Education

Chandler is proud to recognize and support each of our community members in feeling seen, heard, honored and valued. One of the ways we live into this commitment is through our Cultural Recognitions programming - a key partnership between the DEI Office and Chandler Family Associates (CFA). Through our Friday assemblies, classroom enrichment opportunities and school-wide efforts, our families are involved in planning and sharing the beauty of culture and history with all our Chandler students. This school year, the Cultural Recognitions programming series will include: Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, Armenian Heritage Month, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. We endeavor to add new recognitions as our program grows.

In addition, the DEI Office and CFA also partner to offer intentional Parent Education opportunities that allow our community to join together as we learn about emerging trends in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and take action to enhance belongingness in our community. We strive to connect the learning between our students, employees and families to strengthen our collective understanding and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Anti-Bias Curriculum Redesign Cohort

Chandler School’s commitment to cultivate learning experiences that are robust, challenging and affirming for students as well as deepen professional growth for our faculty is encapsulated by our Anti Bias Curriculum Redesign initiative launched in 2023. Rooted in the domains of identity, diversity, justice and action, anti-bias education seeks to support all children in developing self-confidence, celebrating differences, identifying unfairness and operating with agency. The principles of this approach align with Chandler’s mission to provide the most academically challenging education and our strategic initiative to further develop culturally responsive and affirming curricula.

Throughout this redesign process our teachers take part in a year-long cohort with their fellow educators and think critically about their grade level standards in order to integrate anti-bias principles within the lessons and units they teach. A few examples include:

First grade reimagining of a persuasive writing unit where students crafted letters to local leaders
Third grade design of an economics unit helping students learn more about food insecurity which culminated in an action project with Friends in Deed
Fifth grade bringing history to life through role play that focused on multiple experiences during the American Revolution
Eighth grade creation of a capstone unit on changemakers for their students who are also navigating a season of change

Our school community is eager to engage all teachers and specialists in this powerful professional development through 2027 so that each year every Chandler student experiences the impact of anti-bias education and enhanced instruction on their journey.

Hillary Blunt

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Divider Leaf

Meet the DEI Board Committee

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the Board works collaboratively with the Director of DEI and Head of School to provide strategic leadership and guidance around Chandler’s approach to integrating DEI Initiatives into the school’s policies and practices. The Committee is committed to proposing and advancing recommendations to create and sustain a diverse, equitable and inclusive school community.

2024 - 2025 DEI Board Members

Matt Lawler ’95, Chair
Sharon Cuseo
Mari Hsu
Sarah Johnson
Zahirah Mann
Michael Regan
Irvin Kaw
Lily Wu

Members Ex-Officio

Hillary Blunt
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Emily Brown
Head of School

Divider Green

Mobile Search Container

Mobile Search

Close Mobile Search

Menu Elements Wrapper

Clover Logo

Utility Nav Mobile

Toggle Mobile Search

Toggle Close Container

Mobile Main Nav

Header Holder

Header Logo

Header Right Column

Utility Nav Desktop

Toggle Search Container

Main Nav Desktop

Toggle Menu Container

Search Canvas

Close container canvas

Search

horizontal-nav

In this Section