Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At GFS, we welcome the experiences and perspectives of all members of our community.
We strive for continuous growth in understanding and valuing the intersections of age, ability, gender, race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. We bring awareness to these varied parts of our identities and the roles they play in making us who we are, individually and as a school community.
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team coordinates with all members of our community to better engage in these principles. We see DEI as integral to the ethical foundation of our community, and it is a responsibility that we all share.
GFS is a community that values both intergroup and intragroup connections. The work we do within groups and across our community permeates the fabric of our school life. Our desire is to improve relationships between people by dialoguing, engaging in constructive conflict, and working together in authentic and meaningful ways.
Engagement On Campus and in the Wider World
On Campus
GFS creates spaces for students to engage focused learning on relational identity development and allyship through events such as Diversity Dialogue Day in the Upper School and our all school Unity Day.
Many of our teachers and staff are actively engaged in exploring race, culture, and ethnicity, and are leaders in these areas at GFS, regionally, and nationally. Faculty and staff-initiated affinity groups help address concerns and foster deeper connections within our community.
Off Campus
The Alumni of Color Initiative aims to build and sustain strong connections with GFS alumni of color.
GFS seeks to improve the capacities of our students, faculty, and staff through professional development, conferences, and in-house days.
Our Diversity Ambassadors take on collaborative leadership roles in their commitment to cultural programming, social justice, and more.
The LGBTQPFA is for same-sex parents and their allies, who may be interested in exploring diversity at GFS. The group offers support and camaraderie for families with LGBTQIA+ relatives, or with children exploring issues of their own sexuality.
The MPA operates under the umbrella of the Parents Association and is a partnership of parents committed to creating, nurturing, and integrating cultural, racial, religious, and ethnic diversity in the GFS community.
As an informed and engaged parent body that is representative of our diversity, the MPA strives to realize a fully inclusive community in which all students and parents, including those who are new to our community, feel welcome, seen, and heard.
Contact The Office of Diversity, Equity & INclusion
Charla Okewole, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Jalil Pines, DEI Administrative Coordinator
Multicultural Parents Alliance: mpa@germantownfriends.org
DEI News and Updates
We chat with Versha Pleasant '00, MD, MPH about her career and how she weaves together storytelling, medicine, and advocacy.
GFS was honored to welcome Kristen Welker ‘94, distinguished journalist and moderator of NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” as the speaker at this year’s Christopher Allen ’09 Lecture. The lecture was presented as a conversation between Welker and her longtime mentor, Chris Blackman.
On Monday, January 20, 2025, the GFS community gathered for the school's 30th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The day included a keynote speaker, workshops, volunteer shifts, and more!