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Equity and Inclusion

Gould students from different backgrounds sit arm in arm enjoying the view on mountain day

At Gould, we believe that belonging is essential to learning and to life. Gould’s DEIB work is collaborative by design—driven by students, faculty, and staff who believe that building an inclusive community takes time, care, and trust.

Gould students at a Lunar New Year Celebration

 

Gould’s Statement on Equity and Belonging

Rooted in our core values of curiosity, courage, kindness, and creativity, the Gould community is committed to developing a culture where we honor our differences and acknowledge lived experience by: 

  • Embracing diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds

  • Confronting discrimination and bias through education, accountability, and action
  • Establishing and regularly reviewing equitable practices and policies

Building and sustaining an inclusive community is a shared responsibility. At Gould, we value diversity in all its forms and are dedicated to creating a culture of belonging where every individual feels seen, respected, and empowered to be their authentic self. When each of us thrives, our community is stronger.

 

“DEIB is not a goal to be achieved, but a state of being and a lifelong commitment. We commit to this work for the betterment of all individuals here at Gould, for our alumni, and future generations of Gould students. And, we commit to this work out of love, for only through this embrace may we approach understanding and appreciation for each other.”

Tao Smith ’90, P’23, ’28, Head of School,

 

The Gould DEIB Council

Open to students, faculty, and staff, Gould’s DEIB Council meets weekly to lead projects that strengthen equity and belonging on campus. From organizing affinity groups and assemblies to launching Equity Challenges and authoring Gould’s Statement on Equity and Belonging, the Council creates space for voices across campus and helps guide inclusive practices schoolwide.

Crafting the Statement on Equity and Belonging

The directory of student life and a student work in a small deib group
Students practice caligraphy at the International Festival in Ordway Hall

 

Campus Celebrations

Students from around the world bring their traditions to Gould. Events like Lunar New Year and the International Festival give international students the chance to share their culture through food, music, and games.

The international experience at Gould

The DEIB Council leads an assembly on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

 

Observances

Throughout the year, Gould intentionally marks important cultural and historic moments . From community-wide programming on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to observances in assembly for National Coming Out Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, these moments create space for reflection and learning.

Service Learning at Gould

 

Equity & Belonging IN ACTION

Mau presents at assembly about Dia de los Muertos
  • DEIB
  • Experiential Learning
Learning the Meaning Behind Dia de los Muertos

Gould takes Halloween seriously, and our community received an extra treat this year when we gathered for our morning Halloween assembly! Before Dr. Clarke and the weekend team announced campus Trick-or-Treat plans, the Saturday night masquerade dance, and which horror movie would be shown at the yurt, Fernando ’26 and Mau ’27 offered a presentation on the history and significance of Dia de los Muertos.

Read More about Learning the Meaning Behind Dia de los Muertos
Gould students hold up Maus and Handmaid's Tale, two of the texts explored in Banned Books at Gould
  • Academics
  • DEIB
  • GAzette Stories
Banned Books

English teacher Courtney Eichacker’s Banned Books and Films elective invites seniors to explore censorship, identity, and empathy through literature that has been challenged or banned. The course asks students to think critically about why stories are silenced—and why they matter.

Read More about Banned Books