Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Parent DEI Task Force Embodies Campus Values of Community, Courage, Curiosity and Kindess
by Lisa Pannone-Bria, P'24, P'28
Early in the fall, at a Parent DEI Task Force Zoom meeting, we discussed the recent LGBTQ+ campus event we hosted. I eagerly listened to my fellow members and then shared my own positive thoughts, particularly about Cadence, our facilitator. Kojo Clarke, our DEI Director, spoke next. His words, directed to me, were a gentle reminder that Cadence uses the pronoun “they.” Anyone who knows Kojo knows he could not have been nicer in the reminder. Nonetheless, for a brief moment, I was mortified. But then, just as quickly, I reeled myself back in by remembering the Task Force is a judgment free space where we always assume each other’s best intentions.
Early in the fall, at a Parent DEI Task Force Zoom meeting, we discussed the recent LGBTQ+ campus event we hosted. I eagerly listened to my fellow members and then shared my own positive thoughts, particularly about Cadence, our facilitator. Kojo Clarke, our DEI Director, spoke next. His words, directed to me, were a gentle reminder that Cadence uses the pronoun “they.” Anyone who knows Kojo knows he could not have been nicer in the reminder. Nonetheless, for a brief moment, I was mortified. But then, just as quickly, I reeled myself back in by remembering the Task Force is a judgment free space where we always assume each other’s best intentions.
In the late 90s, I attended college in a progressive enclave in Western Massachusetts known for championing LGBTQ+ rights. The concept of personal pronouns have been on my radar for a number of years. Yet clearly I, too, am still learning, growing, and making mistakes. And as my 4th grader aptly explained that evening when I shared my misstep, “it’s okay to make mistakes.”
The Parent DEI Task Force embodies the same values as our campus classrooms: community, courage, curiosity and kindness. We all benefit from hearing each other’s perspective. We are elevated by diversity of thought. I urge any parent or guardian considering participating to not let the fear of saying the wrong thing or not knowing the right one prevent you from joining.
Have you considered joining the Task Force but wondered if you belong? It’s simple. The Parent DEI task force is not an affinity group. Rather, it’s a group of individuals in our school community that share a commitment to fostering belonging, inclusion and diversity of thought on campus. If you want your family to have a sense of belonging at NCCS and want other families to feel the same way, you belong.
I am proud of the work that the NCCS Board, administrators, faculty, staff, and students are embracing to bring greater understanding and empathy surrounding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion issues to our campus. I encourage you to join us—to model for our children the courage and curiosity to join the conversation and the kindness with which to do so. You belong in the conversation.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
