Norfolk Collegiate Announces Exciting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Initiative
In support of Norfolk Collegiate’s mission to offer an inclusive and supportive learning community, the school has launched a new, comprehensive multi-year Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) initiative. The initiative will guide students, faculty, staff and the community to a more thoughtful and productive understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, justice and anti-racism and how this contributes to the organization's significance and success in the 21st century.
Thanks to a $600,000 gift from honorary trustee and Norfolk Collegiate alumnus Ted Mathas '85 and his wife Keryn, the school is able to accelerate and enhance its ongoing efforts to actively commit to an inclusive culture that will create transformative and sustainable change to the school.
Gift will accelerate the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice
In support of Norfolk Collegiate’s mission to offer an inclusive and supportive learning community, the school has launched a new, comprehensive multi-year Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) initiative. The initiative will guide students, faculty, staff and the community to a more thoughtful and productive understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, justice and anti-racism and how this contributes to the organization's significance and success in the 21st century.
Thanks to a $600,000 gift from honorary trustee and Norfolk Collegiate alumnus Ted Mathas '85 and his wife Keryn, the school is able to accelerate and enhance its ongoing efforts to actively commit to an inclusive culture that will create transformative and sustainable change to the school.
“Although our community strives to value kindness, respect and genuine care for every person, we must acknowledge that we have fallen short and that minority students, parents and faculties of Norfolk Collegiate have been hurt as a result,” said Scott Kennedy, head of school. “We are committed to bettering our community and shepherding in a formative era of inclusivity and change,” he said.
The gift from Ted and Keryn Mathas will fund actionable initiatives focused on five core areas: student experience and education, family experience and education, curriculum, community engagement and hiring practices. The program will be guided by a DEIJ Steering Committee, representing the Board of Trustees, alumni, faculty and parents.
“Keryn and I enthusiastically support this important initiative that will elevate Norfolk Collegiate as a role model for inclusiveness among independent schools,” said Mr. Mathas, chairman and CEO of New York Life Insurance Company. “We are deeply moved by the thoughtful feedback that has been shared by African-American alumni. To commit to embracing inclusion, we must be willing to openly discuss and address fairness, prejudice, injustice and diversity in our schools and in the community,” he said.
