Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our beliefs about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

1.     Dover-Sherborn is proud to be one of the top public-school districts in Massachusetts. We have always been recognized as a leader in public education and we have always embraced diversity in our classrooms. Our mission is to inspire, challenge and support all students as they discover and pursue their full potential. An understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion is one of the critical skills students need to be successful in a rapidly changing world.

2.   Dover-Sherborn has a long history of commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.  Beginning in 1972, the community has welcomed METCO students who have enriched the district and its programs.  As the demographics of the world and the United States shift, they are also evolving in Dover-Sherborn as it serves a growing number of diverse students and families (see census data).

 3.    There is a lot of misinformation around the DEI topic. Rumors have swirled locally that our educators are trying to influence students using personal agendas, or that pursuing equity takes funds away from AP classes – or waters them down – and harms our position as a top-ranked school. Such statements are simply not true and we want to stay focused on the facts. We teach respect and tolerance in our classrooms. We remain committed to our core values and we will not let a small faction of residents undermine those values.

 4.    DEI work is being done in school districts across the Commonwealth following the guidance set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The state has outlined the core skills and content for each subject at each grade level. Our work is building upon identified best practices. You can enter “DEI Mass. public schools” into Google and see what other districts are doing.

5.     We believe in welcoming diverse perspectives and engaging all opinions. In return, we ask that people present differing opinions in a way that shows respect for all individuals. That is how we maintain the fabric of our community. We are eager to engage in thoughtful conversations about the steps Dover-Sherborn is taking to further integrate the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools. Hopefully, by being transparent and focused on facts, we can address any fear and uncertainty that exists in the community.