Thought-provoking workshops and conversation at AISNE conference

“The adults on our campus recognize the significance of culture and identity in our lives and in the lives of our students,” Griffith continued. “Through continued training, and education, we have gained a deeper understanding of how micro-aggressions negatively impact performance and how implicit bias plays a role in our everyday decisions.”

AISNE workshops included opportunities for personal growth as well as analysis of institutional practices. Discussions throughout the day covered a range of topics including race, class, gender, sexual identity, and ability. Deb Olander co-presented a case study with Ali Michael based on their partnership in establishing AWARE, Andover’s White Anti-Racist Education group. Participants exchanged ideas for establishing similar groups on their campuses.

“It was gratifying to see so many colleagues from across campus,” said Olander. Andover participants spanned a number of academic and administrative offices, including the Business Office, Addison, (MS)2, Communications, Technology, Tang, Spanish, and Physics, to name a few. “I view equity and inclusion work as ongoing practice, and a day spent immersed in this work with dedicated colleagues and thought leaders is always energizing.”

“Engaging in deep thinking and institutional reflection—in sometimes difficult conversations—is necessary,” added LaShawn Springer, director of CAMD, “especially as we consider the type of communities we’re cultivating for our young people and the responsibility we hope they share in that endeavor.”

Springer introduced keynote speaker Philip McAdoo, whose book Independent Queers has served as a resource for schools across the nation while emphasizing the importance of storytelling and narrative as tools for justice.

“In reading those pieces, I was reminded of the stories I heard last year at the 30^th Anniversary of our GSA, especially from alumna Sharon Tanterelli as she worked to establish one of the first GSAs in independent schools. It was a moment of celebration, but also a reckoning, for those whose collective trauma and enduring resilience helped to make Andover a more just and equitable place…These moments of speaking truth to power, of bearing witness, are not easy; we can't ever take them for granted when offered by our students, alumni, and colleagues.”