AWSNA STATEMENT FOR DIVERSITY
Waldorf education espouses principles of respect for human dignity and recognizes that diversity, inclusivity and equity is a journey of both moral and educational importance.
We, the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, recognize the history and ongoing impact of racism on our continent and in our institutions and we hold the dignity of life and the human being at the center of our work. Any speculations made by Rudolf Steiner that are in contradiction to this principle are not the basis for Waldorf education and we unequivocally denounce such statements.
We acknowledge that we have room to grow as an association and as individuals in our understanding of oppression and social justice. We strive to make equity and inclusion central; when we do, we get closer to the world that we want for our youth.
We, the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, recognize the history and ongoing impact of racism on our continent and in our institutions and we hold the dignity of life and the human being at the center of our work. Any speculations made by Rudolf Steiner that are in contradiction to this principle are not the basis for Waldorf education and we unequivocally denounce such statements.
We acknowledge that we have room to grow as an association and as individuals in our understanding of oppression and social justice. We strive to make equity and inclusion central; when we do, we get closer to the world that we want for our youth.
Diversity Statement
Waldorf schools are independent schools, which are designed to educate all children, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. The pedagogical method is comprehensive, and, as part of its task, seeks to bring recognition and understanding to any world culture or religion. The Waldorf School, founded in 1919 by Rudolf Steiner, is not part of any church.
Waldorf schools are committed to developing the human potential of each child to its fullest. Admission to the schools is open to everyone, without regard to race, sex, creed, religion, national origin, or ethnicity. In company with many other tuition-based independent schools, Waldorf schools are actively seeking ways to increase the economic and ethnic diversity of their student populations.
It is a fundamental goal of our education to bring students to an understanding and experience of the common humanity of all the world’s peoples, transcending the stereotypes, prejudices, and divisive barriers of classification by sex, race and nationality. We most emphatically reject racism in all its forms, and embrace the principles of common humanity expressed by the founder of Waldorf education, Rudolf Steiner: “[We] must cast aside the division into races. [We] must seek to unite people of all races and nations, and to bridge the divisions and differences between various groups of people. “
Olympia Waldorf School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender, (including gender expression or identity) or economic status in the administration of its admissions and academic policies.
Waldorf schools are committed to developing the human potential of each child to its fullest. Admission to the schools is open to everyone, without regard to race, sex, creed, religion, national origin, or ethnicity. In company with many other tuition-based independent schools, Waldorf schools are actively seeking ways to increase the economic and ethnic diversity of their student populations.
It is a fundamental goal of our education to bring students to an understanding and experience of the common humanity of all the world’s peoples, transcending the stereotypes, prejudices, and divisive barriers of classification by sex, race and nationality. We most emphatically reject racism in all its forms, and embrace the principles of common humanity expressed by the founder of Waldorf education, Rudolf Steiner: “[We] must cast aside the division into races. [We] must seek to unite people of all races and nations, and to bridge the divisions and differences between various groups of people. “
Olympia Waldorf School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender, (including gender expression or identity) or economic status in the administration of its admissions and academic policies.
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. Olympia Waldorf School recognizes we are on the unceded land of the Medicine Creek Treaty Tribes of Nisqually, Puyallup, Steilacoom, Squawskin (Squaxin Island), S'Homamish, Stehchass, T'Peeksin, Squi-aitl, and Sa-heh-wamish. We acknowledge that this land is the territory of the Steh-chass people of the Squaxin Island Tribe. We hope to cultivate our relationship with the Coastal Salish and their homelands where we mutually reside. We welcome indigenous participation and critique as we strive to support indigenous sovereignty and culture. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that shape our society and communities. Please join us in our ongoing efforts to uncover such truths as a larger school community.
We are grateful for the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture for the wealth of knowledge they contain as an organization and offer their site for others to gain similar access and understanding
We are grateful for the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture for the wealth of knowledge they contain as an organization and offer their site for others to gain similar access and understanding
