Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Academic Arts has developed a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee consisting of several staff members to help guide the school toward making real change daily.

AHA Anti-Racism Statement

Academic Arts High School acknowledges the prevalence of both racism and privilege within our community and society at large. We recognize that our nation and the systems within it, including the education system, has failed to address and dismantle structural and institutional racism, discrimination and oppression. Academic Arts High School staff is united in the pursuit to end racial and ethnic bias. We are committed to empowering our students to join in this pursuit.

To honor our commitment we must:

  1. Participate in honest reflection as individuals by exploring our own bias, racism, and privilege, along with ways we may support systems of injustice

  2. Collectively work towards becoming anti-racist and anti-bias, as well as dismantling and challenging systems that support oppression and racial inequities

  3. Integrate anti-racist, anti-bias, and social justice practices into our curriculum and school community

  4. Ensure that all students are given an equal opportunity to thrive and grow within their learning environment.

At AAHS, we take a lot of pride in encouraging individuals to, as we say, “Be You.”​ ​As an anti-bias and anti-racist community, we choose to recognize and celebrate our differences including: ​race, ethnicity, gender expression, language, religious diversity, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, and socio-economic class. We ask that our community of staff and students hold one another accountable with this commitment by speaking up when it is not being honored.

Academic Arts High School recognizes that this work is ongoing. We know that individuals are at various points along their personal journey within this process. We are committed to being lifelong learners. By making this commitment, the AAHS community will foster a safe and supportive environment for individuals to become socially aware and responsible human beings who are capable of creating social change.