Campus Life

Equity & Inclusion

Diversity Statement

Respect for diversity, which includes the differences among peoples’ identities, experiences, perspectives and beliefs, is essential for a quality education. Diversity enriches the world through the customs, traditions, and perspectives of various religions, ethnicities, and socio-economic groups, and through individual characteristics such as gender, gender identity, age, race, appearance, sexual orientation, physical ability, and learning profile.

The John Cooper School seeks to empower students as individuals who foster understanding and cooperation and who discourage prejudice and stereotypes. While striving to create a place of learning where all members—students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni—experience safety, respect, and acceptance, the school actively pursues an inclusive climate that affirms individual self-worth and promotes cooperation, in an environment where all individuals are valued for their contributions.

Diversity is an integral part of the educational program at The John Cooper School, as seen through our formal curricula, meaningful dialogue, and educational events, and this commitment stems from the school’s mission to create “…responsible citizens and leaders.” In order to fulfill this aspect of our mission, we must continually educate our community about diversity, so that we may all better contribute honestly and respectfully to today’s global society. Toward that end, the school exercises equitable and inclusive admissions and employment policies, and commits to ongoing attention to and enrichment of diversity issues.

As the community and world change over time, our dedication to diversity will require continued reflection and evaluation. With open minds, we will continue to develop programs and policies that enhance diversity as a vital and important element of our shared humanity. The deliberate actions of trustees, faculty, administration, and staff will help sustain Cooper as a school that values every individual for his or her unique perspective and contribution.

 

Faculty & Staff Program

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  • Committee for Equity and Inclusion

    The purpose of the Committee for Equity and Inclusion (CEI) is to advance and promote the School’s Mission. To this end the CEI will:

    • act as an advisory committee to the Head of School in the ongoing commitment to the enrichment of diversity, equity, and inclusion
    • investigate and recommend programming and training to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange among members of the school community
    • facilitate communication throughout the school community on equity and inclusion practices and philosophy
    • provide a forum to regularly examine and discuss topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the School’s culture and community

    The CEI is chaired by the School's Diversity Coordinators. Membership on the CEI includes a cross section of administrators, faculty, staff, and departments selected by the Diversity Coordinators and Head of School.

Upper School Student Groups

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  • Student Diversity Committee (SDC)

    The Student Diversity Committee (SDC) is a student organization whose mission is to foster a community culture of acceptance, respect, and equality for all the members of The John Cooper School. Through education and raising awareness, the committee strives to integrate members of Cooper’s diverse community by fostering understanding and cooperation while discouraging prejudice and stereotypes in our immediate community. While providing a forum for honest discussions of intolerance and disrespect in our culture, the SDC advocates for respect, understanding, and equity.

  • Spectrum

    Spectrum is a student organization whose mission is to create a welcoming, accepting, and safe school environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Operating in conjunction with the Student Diversity Committee (SDC), Spectrum seeks to create community, provide education in current LGBTQ issues, work on school-wide equality efforts, and support Cooper’s mission to "…provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students." Through their activities Spectrum pursues the goals of respect, self-awareness, and self-esteem for all.

  • Women and Equity (WE)

    The Women and Equity Club (WE) aims to positively impact the Cooper community by promoting women’s rights and by bringing awareness to gender inequity throughout the world. The club advocates for the rights of women and girls and sponsors thoughtful discussions and events related to gender equality.

  • International Club

    The International Club celebrates the international diversity of our students, staff, and community; shares and learns about global cultures; and ignites curiosity and pride for the identities and experiences of people from all around our world.

Middle School Student Groups

List of 2 items.

  • Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (IDEA)

    The Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (IDEA) is a student organization whose purpose is to uphold and promote the School’s Mission Statement and Diversity Statement, through student-organized and student-led discussions, presentations and activities, all centering around inclusion, diversity, equity, empathy, respect, and community. IDEA is open to all students in grades 6, 7, and 8.  

  • Culture Committee

    The Culture Committee is a student organization that presents information about religious and cultural observances to the student body, celebrating and acknowledging the diversity of identities, beliefs, and experiences that comprise the Cooper community. The Culture Committee is part of the Middle School Student Council and is chaired by the Vice President for Culture.

The John Cooper School

From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.

The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
© 2019 The John Cooper School. All Rights Reserved.