At Browning, we believe in fostering a culture where every student feels a strong sense of connection, purpose, and responsibility to participate substantively in the world around them.
Our learning community is enriched by the wide range of perspectives, talents, and experiences of all its members, and we are committed to cultivating an environment where every student can thrive.
Browning boys, teeming with talent and curiosity, are united by a shared commitment to intellectual growth, character development, and service. While global in its scope, the pursuit of purposeful living is at the core of everything we do inside the Red Doors at Browning. We strive to create a community where students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully, collaborate meaningfully, and contribute positively to society.
Our commitment to fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and leadership is not a supplement to our rigorous curriculum—it is embedded in every aspect of our teaching and learning. We recognize that building an inclusive and welcoming environment is an ongoing effort, and we approach this work with both humility and dedication.
Every member of the extended Browning community plays a role in upholding the School’s values, even—perhaps especially—when challenges arise. We deeply appreciate the engagement of our parent community, student leadership groups, and alumni mentors as we work together to ensure that every student, faculty member, and visitor experiences a sense of connection and purpose.
As we guide our students from K-12 and beyond, we remain committed to providing programming that reflects our most deeply held values—honesty, dignity, and service to others. Who better to lead the way than boys of intellect and character, prepared to share their light with the world through a lens of curiosity and responsibility? This work belongs to all of us, and we couldn't be more proud of our students for embracing it with their whole selves.
Respectfully,
Naledi Sean Semela
Chief Equitable Practices Officer
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