Commitment to Anti-Racism

A work in progress, the Dalton school is wholly committed to the vision of a democratic community and is engaged in community-wide, ongoing dialogue on diversity issues. Our mission to educate students for true leadership so that they may Go Forth Unafraid^® in a complex global community hinges on their capacity to think critically and make ethical decisions that stem from a core belief in the value of difference, a real sense of cultural fluency, and a sincere and empathic regard for interdependence and the ways in which diversity enriches the way that we see ourselves and each other.

DEI Vision Statement

At Dalton, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to a healthy and vibrant school. We aim to be an institution where every member of our community feels valued in their differences and united in the shared belief that a diverse and equitable community is integral to academic excellence. We strive to have our halls be reflective of our values through the diversity of our students, faculty, staff and families. We will provide an education that embraces challenging inquiry so that our students are prepared to participate and lead towards a more equitable world.

Dalton's Principles of Equity and Belonging

• All community members are expected to act in a manner consistent with Dalton's Mission, Vision, and Principles and to contribute to building a community of integrity and compassion.
• All Dalton students will be treated with dignity and with respect, irrespective of their personal beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic circumstance, ability and other important aspects of their identity.
• All Dalton community members will aim to have a deep appreciation for their fellow community members’ differing life experiences and learn to engage in respectful dialogue and discourse.
• Dalton is committed to providing its students with an understanding of racial and structural inequities and discrimination in the United States and abroad.
• Dalton will support its students in furtherance of this vision by providing opportunities to address current societal inequities.
• Dalton will furnish the resources necessary for all Dalton students to be able to thrive academically and socially and ultimately to “go forth unafraid.”

In advancing our vision and principles, we affirm that we are an educational community dedicated to better understanding and treatment of others, independent thought and engagement with differing perspectives. We seek to unite our community in our shared vision and our differences, and to do so with empathy, understanding, and consistent with the Dalton Plan.

• All Dalton students will be full participants in our community and will flourish free from bias and disparities.
• All Dalton students will have a deep historical understanding of racial and structural inequities in the U.S., and particularly the history of anti-black racism.
• All Dalton students will have opportunities to further enhance their understanding and make a positive impact addressing current societal inequities by participating in community service activities that contribute to change outside Dalton.
• All Dalton community members will have deep appreciation for their fellow community members’ dignity; understanding of differing life backgrounds; empathy; and the ability to engage and listen with respect even across differences.
• All Dalton community members will be held accountable for not meeting our standards, but we also recognize that we are a learning community that supports and provides the space for community stakeholders to grow in their understanding of others and their ability to contextualize their own lived experience.