The work of equity, diversity, and inclusion benefits us all, and it is in our best interest to work together in a way that asks all voices to be part of creative solutions.
Browning boys, teeming with talent and curiosity, are united by the purpose of making a meaningful contribution to our world. While global in its scope, the understanding and practice of living purposefully is at the core of everything we do inside the Red Doors at Browning. Our learning community is one where people come together to add their talents, perspectives, and ideas—shaped by their varied identities, backgrounds and experiences—to a beautiful School that is so much greater than the sum of its parts.
Our commitment to equitable practice and to social impact is not a supplement to the rigorous curriculum; rather, it is a force that permeates and enhances all teaching and learning. We also recognize that equity, diversity, and inclusion is not a fixed destination but rather a journey on which we embark humbly and urgently. Every step in the right direction reveals new challenges and opportunities to put our values into action.
Every member of the extended Browning community is responsible for advancing the School’s equitable practices even, and perhaps especially, when it is not easy. We are grateful to be supported and motivated by the leadership on our Parent Equity Council, Student Equity Diversity Committee, and our Alumni Panther Mentors as we partner to dream of and make real a Browning where every student, employee, family member, and visitor experiences a sense of belonging and full membership.
Our exploration of identity and our practices of stewardship and outreach must be core features of everything we do from K-12 and beyond, and that means offering programming that has a coherent ethos and is driven by our most deeply held values as a school. Who better to go forth and show us the way than boys of intellect and integrity whose training is rooted in the dignity of all humanity and the desire to contribute right from the beginning? This work belongs to us all, and we couldn't be more proud of our boys for embracing it with their whole selves.
Respectfully,
Naledi Sean Semela
Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact
Diversity Statement
The Browning School strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected and valued. We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social and emotional growth for all. Recognizing and pursuing diversity, however, are not enough; we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives and values that characterize our community.
Promoting Cultural Competency
A capstone to a Browning boy's Upper School experience, Senior Projects require a substantial commitment on the part of the boys. This rewarding and enriching experience symbolically caps a Browning boy’s career. Projects have included engagements with the New York Public Library, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Brooklyn Book Bodega, Grassroots Grocery, the American Museum of Natural History, New York Common Pantry, WNET, the Asia Society, and the Wild Bird Fund.
Throughout the year, our Lower School students are treated to an interactive educational presentation and performance from Daniel’s Music Foundation, focusing on disability awareness and what it means to understand that talent comes in all shapes and forms. DMF will be the social impact partner organization for Grade 5 all year, building community and connections as well as providing volunteering opportunities and an invitation to the Danny Awards.
The Panther Mentors are Black alumni who came together to allow Browning to gain a greater awareness of the experience of students of color. These men have partnered with our admissions and advancement teams to support Browning, and and their supportive presence is a benefit to all Browning students year round.
The Parent Equity Council provides opportunities for building and sustaining community through meetings and activities that support the work of Equitable Practices and Social impact. The PEC is open to all Browning families and regularly invites guest speakers and presenters to its meetings and events.
Equitable Practices and Social Impact in Action
Students are engaged with and exposed to equity work through its integration into our curriculum, relevant assemblies, dedicated school events and student organizations.
Student organizations
Student equity work is led by our Student Diversity Equity Committee (SEDC). A group composed of presidents from our affinity, alliance and discussion groups. This group seeks to host all school events and collaborate with peer schools to advance conversation. In 2020, this group was among leaders who experienced racial literacy training in partnership with Lion’s Story.
Upper School students also participate in the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), and other national workshops, conferences, and meetings with New York City independent school students.
African American Affinity Group
Asian Affinity Group (formerly APIDA, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American student group)
Gender Studies Club
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
La Sociedad Latina
Jewish Alliance
Multicultural Club
Social Impact
Keeping in mind the school ethos of good character, honesty, courtesy, sensitivity to others and service to the community, Browning boys are encouraged to perform community service. Learn more.
Faculty professional development
Browning professionals are encouraged to recommend and actively participate in professional development and engage in regular discussions surrounding topics of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Throughout the year, faculty attend the NAIS People of Color Conference, Peer Learning Groups, NIAS workshops, and NYSAIS diversity conferences to continue to engage in these pertinent conversations and stay abreast of best practices in equity work.
Parent Equity Council
The Parent Equity Council aims to carry out Browning's diversity statement within the Parents Association. Led by the Parent Equity Council Chair, the team works closely with the Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact to promote family involvement and support, making Browning a more conscientious and inclusive place.
ALUMNI MENTORSHIP
A group of strong Black alumni came together to form the Panther Mentors, who have partnered with our equity, admissions and advancement teams to support the School and create new paths for leadership for Upper School students of color. Learn more about their work and mission here:
“Meet the Panther Mentors,” Buzzwords, Jan. 2021
Panther Mentors Zoom Panel, Dec. 2020