A Pledge of Commitment from Knox Leadership:
At Knox, we cherish the differences that make up each individual and spread kindness by lifting each other up. Our students, faculty and staff are valued members of our community and we find joy in celebrating the many cultures, colors and identities that are Knox. When hate divides our country and the world, we come together even stronger in the safe haven that is our Home Beside the Shore.
In a world filled with divide and hatred, we at Knox believe and promote that we can work together to change the perceptions of others one person at a time. How? By modeling our Core Values and showing love, respect and honor to all human beings no matter their age, race, ethnicity or gender identity.
Our school – and the world – still has so much work to do. Within the gates of our safe campus, we will continue to educate our community on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion and we promise that we will do everything in our power to ensure that our students feel supported and secure as part of their Knox experience.
While we take the issue of inclusion very seriously and work to live each day guided by the Knox Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Courage, Kindness, and Scholarship, we understand that we must continue to improve. We have implemented several initiatives to raise awareness and strengthen an anti-racist culture on campus.
Knox Action:
- An Equity and Inclusion student representative has been appointed to the Student Council
- We have implemented ongoing diversity education programs for students, faculty, and administration
- We work daily to educate and celebrate our whole community’s cultural differences
- We have implemented more Black history into the curriculum, taught through the eyes of Black people
- We have provided an Equity and Inclusion Support Group led by a Knox Alumnus, which meets monthly with Black students and non-Black allies
Campus Diversity Programs
Equity & Inclusion Support Group
The Equity and Inclusion Support Group led by Knox Alumna Ms. Zoerina Ledwidge ’14 meets monthly to discuss issues that impact Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) and their intersecting identities.
Support Group Goals:
- To provide a safe space for students to discuss issues affecting BIPOC and other marginalized groups of people
- To share stories, ask questions, and learn how to better support our classmates and friends of all races, religions, and sexual orientations
- To shine a light on verbal and physical violence towards marginalized people in an effort to end it within all communities, once and for all
The Black Student Union (BSU)
The BSU meets once per week. Their goals include:
- To establish equality, changing the dynamic at Knox
- To ensure that future brothers and sisters at Knox don’t have to go through what we went through
- To make sure everyone has a voice and can speak up through us if uncomfortable
- To create an anonymous system using google forms so that members can bring up their issues or ideas without feeling uncomfortable or anxious
- To become a part of a larger force for change, contribute to struggles all over the world. Raise money, awareness, and unify our people at Knox
- To create an environment at Knox where all black and brown students can feel accepted and not feel so alone. Create a bridge between admins and students of color
The Gay/Straight Alliance
The GSA meets periodically throughout the school year. Their goals include:
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To make Knox a safe space for Queer students where they can be themselves without fear of ostracization, persecution, discrimination, or harassment
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To educate our community on LGBTQ+ issues
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To create and foster positive relationships between Queer students and Cishet students