DEIB
diversity, equity, inclusion & Belonging
Harvard Public School District ❖ Harvard, Massachusetts
MISSION
Vision Statement
We commit to providing a high quality education centered around
dynamic learning and personal well-being in a community where everyone can find belonging.
Core Value Statements
Engage in Learning with Courage
We strive to inspire all students towards excellence by developing robust academic and social learning habits and skills.
We embrace challenges and mistakes as they provide opportunities for deeper learning and build resilience.
We believe the educational environment should foster joy, courage, and curiosity.
Promote Balance and Well-Being
We believe in supporting each person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being to help build resilient, connected individuals.
We practice kindness towards self and others to strengthen our compassionate school community.
We encourage students to ask questions and self-advocate.
Cultivate an Equitable, Just & Inclusive School Culture
We believe in fostering an inclusive and equitable school culture that affirms the dignity of all.
We value diversity and respect towards one’s self and others.
We develop the confidence and ability to understand diverse perspectives, collaborate, and practice restorative justice.
Value Individuals and Relationships
We value students as individuals and respect their distinct contributions and perspectives.
We recognize that students learn, grow and define success in different ways.
We strive to develop positive relationships through respect, trust, and active listening.
Partner with Community
We believe that students are best served when schools, families, and communities are committed to open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration.
We appreciate that the Harvard community provides the necessary resources to best serve our students, and we hold ourselves responsible for the appropriate use of those resources.
EQUITY STATEMENT
We affirm in our actions that each student can and shall learn. We recognize that based on factors including but not limited to ability, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, and gender identity, students’ educational opportunities can be inequitable. Educational equity is the intentional allocation of resources, instruction, and opportunities, requiring that discriminatory practices, prejudices, and beliefs be identified and eradicated. We support the educators employed in our district to carry out this essential work.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
With deep respect, we formally acknowledge that the land we work, learn, and gather on was originally inhabited by the Indigenous people of the Nipmuc tribal nation. We acknowledge the painful history of genocide, slavery, and being forced onto reservations. We hope this small gesture helps to honor the Nipmuc people and the ongoing connection they have with the land. The Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council is located at 25 Main Street, South Grafton, Massachusetts (Nipmuc Nation website).
DEIB in Massachusetts Education
Ma Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Ma Association of School Committees:
Ma Association of School Superintendents:
DEIB In U.S. Department of Education
Civil Rights & Equity
Department of Education Announces Actions to Advance Equity in Education (June 2021)
Race and School Programming (Aug 2023)
Disability Discrimination (Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act)
Sex Discrimination (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972)
Race and National Origin Discrimination (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964)
LGBTQ+