Through sharing stories, listening, and voicing their call for change, RCDS students are showcasing their commitment to anti-racism, activism, and engaged citizenship.
Rising senior Eesha Narain '21 organized an all-school Coalition of Solidarity meeting, a special meeting of the Coalition of Differences initiative which was launched in fall 2020. Over 90 students, faculty, and staff gathered virtually to process and share together in community. Students thoughtfully shared their perspectives and experiences on the topics of racism and recent events. Headmaster Scott Nelson, Director of Diversity & Inclusion Ali Morgan, and Upper School principal Jon Leef also spoke on the topic of systemic racism and what we can do to be upstanders who are actively anti-racist in our advocacy for a better world. In faculty-moderated breakout rooms, participants discussed their thoughts and feelings about the current events and the longstanding, painful history of racism in America. It was a powerful moment in our community that will inform students' social justice work for the summer, which will be coordinated by the Action Against Racism initiative, a group of students and faculty coordinated by Director of Public Purpose Rebecca Drago and Director of Diversity & Inclusion Ali Morgan. Summer social justice programming, which is a continuation of and a reflection on the year's work in this area, will include book clubs, engagement opportunities, and partnerships both on campus and in the local community.
Recent graduates Ryan Hammel '20 and Bella French '20 organized and led a four-mile march through the town of Rye to demonstrate their support and dedication to fight for justice. Hundreds of local community members and RCDS students, faculty, and staff attended the march. The walk was also a fundraiser benefiting The Bail Project, a non-profit designed to combat mass incarceration by disrupting the money bail system as a form of resistance against criminalizing race and poverty and an act of solidarity with local communities and movements for decarceration. To date the march has raised $5,418 in support of The Bail Project, far surpassing their goal of $3,000.
For anti-racism resources and support, please visit this page.