The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) has set a highly politicized social justice agenda. It uses the accreditation process to distribute this harmful and divisive content to “independent” schools, which in turn administer social justice “plans” through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Offices. DEI activists are promoted to leadership positions where they influence and drive school decisions and strategies.
DEI, as it is compelled, relies on fear and intimidation. Shockingly, more people don’t see the resemblance to what is recently described in Commie Chic Invades American Grade Schools by David Mikics.
Two years ago, we sent a letter to independent school accreditors asking them to take a principled stand in favor of free speech and to encourage viewpoint diversity. It seemed a natural extension of the prioritization of DEI. After all, isn't the point of diversity to add different perspectives to the conversation? Otherwise, it’s just more groupthink disguised as window dressing.
We suggested two ways to accomplish this goal:
As part of the accreditation process, schools must create, promote, and honor their own versions of the Chicago Statement, which will compel institutions to protect the free expression rights of students, faculty, staff, and parents. “Because “the school” is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, it guarantees all members of the “school” community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn . . . . [I]t is not the proper role of the “school” to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive.”
Schools must commit to engaging presenters who represent diverse viewpoints to speak to faculty, parents, and students. Students and educators should hear from a variety of voices to provide much-needed balance. Schools need to prioritize professional development in this area, so teachers have the tools to facilitate class discussions and promote critical thinking.
You can probably guess their response... read here.
Questions To Consider
How can accreditation serve as legitimate quality control when it is used to distribute the NAIS social justice agenda, the recommendations of which always include “augmenting DEI”?
Who monitors the quality of the academic programs and student outcomes in Independent Schools? Accreditation simply evaluates schools against their missions, which are vague and ambiguous.
Where is the transparency around the accreditation reports?
What would true quality assurance look like at independent schools?
What are the accreditation requirements for your school? (They vary by state.)
Why You Should Care
Schools have overcorrected and made DEI the greatest priority. Well-educated people are capitulating and not speaking up out of fear. Read more about how this is hurting our kids.
Teachers and administrators must express fealty to DEI to be hired; merit becomes less important.
"Nice" sounding words have been hijacked:
"Equity" lowers standards for all. Equity believes meritocracy is a myth, but you cannot have excellence without meritocracy.
"Inclusion" excludes anyone who disagrees with the party line.
"Belonging" means taking extra steps to ensure certain groups feel “special” by changing the culture, policies, and environment to suit those who demand a belonging space. Why not teach the Golden Rule?
Schools are producing conformist social justice activists rather than independent-thinking truth seekers.
What You Can Do
Stop donating if you are not aligned with the direction of the school.
Ask to read your school's most recent accreditation report. The self-study process is quite burdensome and a drain on resources for school administrators, but something the school should be proud of if done well.
Find out how the school factors in DEI statements as part of the interview process for teachers and administrators.
Resources
The current accreditation system for K-12 independent schools is worthless, as it focuses increasingly on “non-academic” qualifications. It also has little incentive to change its process because it enjoys a monopoly on the system. However, The American Academy for Liberal Education: K-12 Accreditor for Academic Excellence may be considered as an alternative accreditation option.
Find out what you need to know about NAIS and accreditation.