Diversity Mission
Guided by The Bement School mission, the school is committed to creating a diverse coeducational community of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees representing a breadth of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, family structure, socioeconomic status, and religious affiliation. The school seeks to provide an inclusive environment in which to foster mutual respect and understanding within our school and the world around us.
Bement’s student-created diversity mural carries the words “Hope,” “Acceptance,” “Courage,” and “Trust.” The message of this mural is one that Bement takes to heart, and it is a huge part of what makes Bement such a unique school. We’re committed to maintaining an open, inclusive, and diverse community of students, faculty, and families, making The Bement School welcome to all.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources
As a part of our commitment to broadening perspectives and continuing learning in support of dismantling racism, we have assembled the following resources for families:
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The Little Book of Little Activists by Penguin Young Readers
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An article from The Washington Post noting how adults can help children make sense of a divisive election.
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A compilation of LGBT Youth Resources from the CDC, other government agencies, and community organizations for LGBT Youth, their friends, educators, parents, and family members to support positive environments.
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Documentary Film: White Like Me: Race, Racism, and White Privilege in America
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100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say to Your Child to Advance Racial Justice, an article from Raising Race Conscious Children that supports adults who are trying to talk about race with young children, with the goals of dismantling the color-blind framework and preparing young people to work toward racial justice.
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Common Sense Media's Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion
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The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture recently launched Talking About Race, a new online portal designed to help individuals, families, and communities talk about racism, racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society, from the economy and politics to the broader American culture.
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Check out the UMASS Amherst Fine Arts Center's Fall 2020 offerings.
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The Conscious Kids List: 26 Children’s Books to Support Conversations about Race & Racism
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Sesame Street Town Hall - Read the following letter before watching:
An Open Letter regarding the CNN Sesame Street Town Hall on Racism by Marcella Runell Hall and Rani Varghese - EmbraceRace is a locally based, national organization that identifies, organizes – and, as needed, creates – the tools, resources, discussion spaces, and networks we need to nurture resilience in children of color, nurture inclusive, empathetic children of all stripes, raise kids who think critically about racial inequity, and support a movement of kid and adult racial justice advocates for all children. EmbraceRace offers free webinars on a variety of topics. Click here for archived webinars for parents and teachers.