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Spotlighting Pitfalls to Avoid in Independent School DEIJ Plan Design and Writing

Saturday, Dec 14, 2024
The effects of the pandemic coupled with renewed outrage over racial injustice has inspired independent schools to renew commitments and take bolder action to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ). In particular, heads of school are creating—or revising—DEI Strategic and Action Plans to set course for meaningful progress on campus.

Watch the on-demand webinar on our YouTube channel.

The effects of the pandemic coupled with renewed outrage over racial injustice has inspired independent schools to renew commitments and take bolder action to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ). In particular, heads of school are creating—or revising—DEI Strategic and Action Plans to set course for meaningful progress on campus.

However, EAB’s research has revealed that few plans have a bias for action, despite their intentions. As part of our transformation research agenda, EAB analyzed 50+ DEI strategic plans from a wide array of K-12 institutions, as well as colleges, and universities. We found that these plans, while common, are too often mired down by five common pitfalls in the planning and writing process:

  • An unclear and generic scope
  • Few actionable goals to achieve high-level aspirations
  • Insufficient accountability measures
  • A lack of ongoing communication plans
  • Little discussion about funding

Above all, a strong DEI Strategic Plan requires sincerity, credibility, and commitment. Leveraging these learnings, this webinar will outline the common pitfalls to avoid so independent schools can start to establish trust with groups that have been previously disappointed by institutional efforts. We will also highlight EAB’s support services to help independent schools ensure they have a differentiated, accessible, and actionable plan.