As we have done throughout our nearly 100 years of education, Bement leads with a belief that a more just world starts with the connection of a diverse group of people who respond thoughtfully to meaningful issues. This belief is all the more critical during this unprecedented time in our contemporary society, in which our communities, from the local to the global, grapple with the implications of racial injustice and combat violence and prejudice against persons of marginalized identities, especially in the face of a pandemic that has exacerbated inequalities in health care, housing, work, food, education, and access to other resources everywhere.  

In our commitment to promote Justice in our world, we embrace Diversity, practice Inclusion, and endeavor for Equity in our education and in our community. Our commitment is not realized by accomplishment and achievement; that is, we cannot afford to think that we are ever complete in our work. Rather, rooted and guided by the core values of Respect, Compassion, Integrity and Resilience, our commitment to promote and act for Justice is an ongoing pursuit that influences how we, as individuals and in the collective, speak, act, and behave every day. We recognize that how we educate and operate as a school community today will impact, intentionally for the better, the future of our local and global society.   

In the 2021-22 school year, Bement will assess how this belief and commitment continues to anchor our community and our education nearly 100 years after our founding. We will embark on a process to identify strengths and successes, acknowledge gaps and limitations, and address barriers that lead to opportunities for growth. 

To advance this work, the Bement School has assembled a Task Force to focus on two priorities - Embrace a More Diverse Community and Practice a More Inclusive Education - and propose recommendations in the areas of school culture, operations, programs, policies, resources, and personnel that lead to critical change and growth in DEIJ. More so, the Task Force allows a safe platform for persons from typically underrepresented groups or in marginalized positions to express concerns, and a structure for communicating those concerns to the Head of School, Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees.

Members of the Task Force represent both the broad Bement community and particular interests associated with their position and responsibilities: 

Terry Shields, Director of Student Experience
Amie Keddy, Head of the Upper School
Anna Casey, Head of the Lower School
Frank Massey, Upper School Faculty Member
Meg O’Brien, Director of Residential Life & Upper School Faculty Member 
Rachael Carter, Upper School Faculty Member 
Bree Wisniewski, Lower School Faculty Member
Jill Craig, Pine Hill Coordinator and Cross Divisional Faculty Member
Marcia Bernard, Librarian & Cross Divisional Faculty Member  
Roselle Garro, Assistant Director of Admission
Katie MacCallum, Event Coordinator