Skip To Main Content

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In an effort to create a systemwide, inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff, Tenafly Public Schools created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. 

The goals of the DEI Committee are to:

  • Further our discussion on diversity, equity & inclusion in Tenafly Public Schools and how we can address systemic issues within our school district;
  • Create educational resources (e.g. support cultural differences, reduce race and gender barriers) that help to build an environment where all students feel like they belong.

For 2024-2025:

If you are new to our community or participated last year and would like to join our DEI Committee again this year, please submit this RSVP Form. Your insights and perspectives are vital to our mission, and our new Committee leader, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Ms. Brenda Yoo, welcomes your contributions.

Planned meetings for this school year: 

  • November 13, 2024: 9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. at the Board of Education Office 
  • February 12, 2025: 4:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Postponed 
  • May 14, 2025: 9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. (Location: TBD) 

These following topics are central to our commitment to DEI practices and will be discussed at these meetings:

  • Access to Curriculum
  • Inclusive Education: Sheltered Instruction

Each of these areas presents a unique opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact on our students' lives, aligning with the district’s goals for this school year.


2023-2024 School Year

In 2023, under the leadership of our former interim Assistant Superintendent, the DEI Committee met and noted that the focus of the committee is to educate and support students' access to opportunities, and to increase our awareness of the issues that surround our children. The committee members (students, staff and parents) participated in group activities to share their thoughts and listen to other perspectives. 

The DEI Committee members also discussed seven goals for the 2023-2024 school year:

1. Inclusion of Students and Parents with Lower Socioeconomic Status: We must ensure that all members of our community are supported and given the same opportunities for success, regardless of their economic background.

2. Understanding the Needs of Different Subgroups of Students: Our community is made up of a diverse range of students. Recognizing and addressing their unique needs will help us create an inclusive environment that values and promotes diversity.

3. Support for LGBTQIA+ Students: We need to strengthen our support for students who identify as LGBTQIA+. They should feel safe, accepted, and appreciated in our school community.

4. Disproportionality in Student Discipline: It is crucial that we continue to examine our disciplinary practices to ensure that they are fair and do not disproportionately affect any group of students.

5. Culturally Responsive Curriculum: Let’s explore opportunities to make our curriculum more representative of our students' diverse backgrounds and experiences. This will foster a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.

6. Access to High-Level Coursework: We need to ensure that all students have equal access to high-level courses, thereby promoting academic equity and excellence across all student groups.

7. Calendar Committee Recognizing Cultures: Let's discuss establishing a calendar committee to recognize and celebrate the diverse range of cultures present in our school community.

Five meetings were held to delve into meaningful discussions and take concrete steps towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our educational environment.