The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) defines diversity as "otherness". Most obviously diversity is determined by race, gender, and culture. On a more subtle level, diversity includes class, sexual orientation, religion, age, and disability. The initiatives and programming of the Office of Diversity stem from a school wide commitment to the importance of benefiting from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Our goal at Horace Mann School is to move beyond tolerating difference. We want to move with purpose and conviction toward greater inclusion. The Office of Diversity defines inclusion as a set of community values in which people of all backgrounds, people of all perspectives and people of all beliefs have an equal opportunity to contribute, to belong and to achieve in the community. Inclusion requires everyone to accept, to respect and to value difference. In addition to fostering in the community a healthy respect and welcoming of differences in the midst of learning, Horace Mann School actively seeks to enrich and to nurture our students with a diverse student body and a diverse faculty body, and with a rigorous curriculum that represents a global perspective.

Diversity at Horace Mann School means attracting and admitting a variety of the best and brightest young people regardless of race, gender, culture, class, sexual orientation, religion, or disability and insuring that they have the opportunity to succeed at Horace Mann School and beyond. We created a diversity brochure to highlight the diversity within our community. This brochure is sent to all of our enrolling families, as it is our strong belief at Horace Mann School that diversity is everyone's concern and is in everyone's best interest beginning in the Nursery Division, and continuing through the Upper Division including all faculty and administration.

Across all divisions, diversity is an integral part in the Horace Mann community. In assemblies, within the curriculum, and in discussions with parents, students, alumni, and trustees, the Office of Diversity and Horace Mann School administration are dedicated to honoring the school's mission statement, "Horace Mann School seeks a diverse student body and fosters a respect for individual and cultural differences. Each student is encouraged to strive for self-esteem and confidence and to be respectful of others....." We are exceedingly optimistic about fulfilling our mission and invite you to join us in our efforts.

Rodney Burford and Ian Rios ’02

Through the efforts of the Office of Diversity and the Office of Admissions, the student of color population for the 2007-2008 school year has risen to 27%. Horace Mann School has had remarkable success reconnecting with former students of color through the annual Alumni of Color reception. Last year, the Office of Diversity held its first annual Fall Gathering. The purpose of the gathering was to facilitate an informal networking opportunity for our families of color while also celebrating the diversity within the Horace Mann community. This year, we plan to continue this initiative, as it is important to recognize the many different cultures in our community.

It is increasingly clear that without an understanding and an appreciation of different cultures and different backgrounds, it is quite possible that the future leaders of the world will not possess the necessary knowledge or necessary skills to communicate effectively, and thereby lead effectively, in our ever changing world. As parents and as educators, we have an opportunity to teach our children the things that make us different do not have to divide us. Active conversation and active participation regarding issues of diversity will enrich the experiences of the students on this campus.

The Office of Diversity is committed to moving the Horace Mann community toward open conversation about racial, ethnic, religious, sexual and socioeconomic diversity. In addition, we must encourage students to branch out from their existing peer and social groups to interact with peers and classmates who share different interests, different cultures and different backgrounds. The purpose of maintaining a diverse student body is to increase the wealth of information from which a student body can draw. Initiatives such as Fall Gathering, the Alumni of Color reception and the Office of Diversity Coffee Hours will continue to highlight Horace Mann School as an institution dedicated to original educational methods and creative thought.

If you are interested in helping the Office of Diversity achieve its goals or have any questions, suggestions or concerns regarding diversity at Horace Mann School, please call (718) 432-4109 or email Rodney_Burford@horacemann.org.