Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We the people of Andrews Osborne Academy acknowledge that striving to become an anti-racist school requires that we all must strive to be anti-racist people. Anti-racists seek to increase empathy, decrease discrimination and promote inclusion. We will replace words and actions intended to oppress, inflict damage or discourage, with actions, systems and policies intended to encourage and extend invitation.  Further, we understand the work of anti-racism to extend beyond the boundaries of race, thereby addressing the multitude of inequities present in all societies.

This institution is an intersection of races, nationalities, genders, sexualities, religions, and beliefs.  We are also a community of diverse individuals: students, families, faculty, staff and alumni, each existing as their own intersection of multiple parts. We understand this includes past, present, and future friends and families. We will shine a light on all the important and beautiful accomplishments within our diverse population. We will seek to understand and educate rather than punish. We will ensure that the information passed along will represent  a diversity of cultural contributions with honest and constant evaluation. 

We acknowledge that we have not always lived up to the lofty goals we state here, as individuals or as an institution.  To any past, current, future, student, faculty, staff of color, LGBTQ, female or any dreamer that has been made to feel less than others, we extend the hand of apology and invite you to share your experiences with us if you wish. We see you, we hear you, and we believe you. In order for us to grow, change, and develop, we know that we need to listen first. We, the people of Andrews Osborne Academy, will work against racism because we are for-community. A global vision once voiced by Dr. King in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. Where all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice are replaced with a spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. Where love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. We will act now, because the time is urgent. People are hurting.