Social Justice
Social Justice
Since our founding, social justice has been a cornerstone of the Northwest experience - inside and outside the classroom.
A Northwest education seeks to build a community in which all individuals are seen, valued, heard, and belong.
We envision a world that is based on inclusion, empathy, and interdependence.
Our Goals
SOCIAL JUSTICE
We engage in dialogue and action to create a future where everyone has access to the opportunities, privileges, and resources to achieve their full potential.
DIVERSITY
Our community represents a wide variety of intersecting identities based on: race, ethnicity, socio-economic status and family structure, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, political perspectives, learning differences, ability and more.
EQUITY
We acknowledge and strive to overcome historical and current barriers, and commit to the fair treatment of all members of our community, including full access to school programs and opportunities.
INCLUSION
We enable and encourage participation and contribution from all members of our community, so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging, respect, support and empowerment.
Walk on Northwest's campus and you will see our commitment to social justice.
Our stairwells feature quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr., James Baldwin, and Audre Lorde. And classrooms are named for pivotal social activists.
Advancing Social Justice at Northwest
Days of Learning
We have 3 full Days of Learning every year that are dedicated to exploring social justice topics: these opportunities for student research...
Days of Learning
We have 3 full Days of Learning every year that are dedicated to exploring social justice topics: these opportunities for student research and learning also promote leadership and civic engagement. Students play an active role in steering the content and schedule to create a diverse and stimulating learning environment.
Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)
SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Participating students...
Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)
SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Participating students develop cross-cultural communication skills, design effective strategies for social justice practice through dialogue and the arts, and learn the foundations of allyship and networking principles. Each year Northwest selects several interested students to attend the conference.
Affinity Groups
Affinity groups provide students with a safe space to discuss experiences of identity, to create group solidarity, build resilience, increase...
Affinity Groups
Affinity groups provide students with a safe space to discuss experiences of identity, to create group solidarity, build resilience, increase confidence and engagement and provide empowerment toward action and leadership. Each group is sponsored by a faculty member who shares the same identity.
Infused in the Curriculum
Social justice is baked into the learning experience at Northwest. From the artists they study to the scientific experiments they perform...
Infused in the Curriculum
Social justice is baked into the learning experience at Northwest. From the artists they study to the scientific experiments they perform, students are exposed to social justice issues in all of their classes. In Humanities students are studying, reading, discussing and writing about historical manifestations of racism and social injustice. Teachers are asking thought provoking questions about uneven access to resources such as healthcare, food or education. In Ceramics classes, students are creating and donating bowls for the hungry and molding an endangered animal out of clay. Students are also expanding their perspective through trips to countries such as Morocco, Cambodia and Spain.
NAIS Assessment of Inclusivity & Multiculturalism
The NAIS Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM) Survey, conducted in Spring 2023 allowed us to hear from our community...
NAIS Assessment of Inclusivity & Multiculturalism
The NAIS Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM) Survey, conducted in Spring 2023 allowed us to hear from our community of students, teachers, administrators, alumni and trustees so we could gain a deeper understanding of the climate of inclusivity on campus. The quantitative and qualitative data gleaned from the AIM survey has helped us convert the thoughts and ideas from these findings into tangible goals and attainable benchmarks for continued growth.
People of Color Conference
Each year Northwest provides professional development funds for several faculty members to attend the People of Color Conference. PoCC is a NAIS...
People of Color Conference
Each year Northwest provides professional development funds for several faculty members to attend the People of Color Conference. PoCC is a NAIS conference with programming that support people of color as they pursue strategies for success and leadership in independent schools. It provides a sanctuary and networking opportunities for people of color and allies in independent schools in an effort to build and sustain inclusive school communities.
Faculty DEI Meetings
Faculty meet weekly on Wednesday mornings before the start of school, to foster a sense of community within our organization...
Faculty DEI Meetings
Faculty meet weekly on Wednesday mornings before the start of school, to foster a sense of community within our organization and ensure that our actions align with our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We discuss the diverse backgrounds and needs of our students so that we can better support them in their educational journey. We explore the intersectionality of DEI and environmental sustainability. Recently we began training and practice in Circles to cultivate a culture of open communication, empathy, and accountability within our community. One day per month we break into Affinity groups with individuals of shared identities or experiences to connect and support one another. We also set aside time for DEI Committee work.
Circle Processes
Circles use traditional ritual and structure, drawn from Ancient Native American traditions, as a way to facilitate conversation toward conflict resolution, healing...
Circle Processes
Circles use traditional ritual and structure, drawn from Ancient Native American traditions, as a way to facilitate conversation toward conflict resolution, healing, community building and more. Circles offer an inclusive and collaborative space for group members to share openly and build trust with each other. Everyone is invited to participate and all voices are considered equally important. Every participant has a chance to speak without interruption. A talking piece is passed from person to person, to designate who can speak at that moment—and who is listening (everyone else). This process helps us break down hierarchy, share our personal experiences, recognize our similarities and differences, and experience collaborative approaches to understanding and addressing challenges.
The Experience(X) - Fund
The X-fund provides financial aid recipients with support for the additional costs beyond tuition. It enables these students to fully participate...
The Experience(X) - Fund
The X-fund provides financial aid recipients with support for the additional costs beyond tuition. It enables these students to fully participate all Northwest School experience, inclusive of but not limited to books and supplies, art supplies and instruments, athletic gear and travel, and global experiences. We believe every student should have the opportunity to participate fully in the life of the school, regardless of family income.
Catalina Martinez
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.