DEIB Office Provides Update on Latest Initiatives

On Tuesday night, April 19, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) Klarissa Karosen updated the community via Zoom on the School’s latest diversity initiatives.

After a welcome from Head of School Liz Morrison, Mrs. Karosen noted that a pillar of the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan is dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and includes recommendations put forth by the Racial Justice Task Force.  She emphasized the importance of engaging in authentic DEIB work and addressing institutional changes that need to happen for MBS to live up to its values and mission.  

She presented an overview of initiatives that are taking place, highlighting a number of areas including:  an examination of the School’s code of conduct and policies, faculty and staff hiring and retention, investing resources into DEIB initiatives, and curricular and co-curricular updates.

Mrs. Karosen spoke about the School’s two successful Diversity & Inclusion Retreats for students in March, and also discussed the formation of a new Student Orientation Task Force, whose charge is to re-envision student orientations and programming and to enhance the sense of belonging among the student body.

She also highlighted the work being done in Athletics, including DEIB training for athletes and coaches and a review of policies and the hiring process.

After Mrs. Karosen’s presentation, the group discussed the work being done in Admission, and considered ways to get parents more involved in the School’s DEIB initiatives.