Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Kingswood Oxford School is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment where each member of our community feels an authentic sense of belonging. Since this work does not belong to one person, one division, or one department, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) team supports students, families, and faculty in this ongoing work. We work collectively to ensure that every member of our community is valued, respected, and included for being their authentic self.

KO’s DEIB work is about embracing everyone. We strive to cultivate a community that welcomes and encourages diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our commitment to work toward an environment where everyone belongs requires us all to further our understanding of diversity, including why our differences matter, and how they enrich our community.

Bring your authentic self to KO.

Everyone is welcome here.

DEIB Updates

Dear KO,

As the new director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), I am excited to embark on this important journey with all of you. I am committed to fostering an environment where every individual not only feels important but also experiences a true sense of value, respect, and inclusion. I believe that the foundation of our work lies in the relationships we build. The phrase “relationships eat strategy for breakfast” resonates deeply with me, emphasizing that before we can implement effective initiatives, we must first nurture trust and empathy within our community.

To create a truly inclusive environment, we need to look within ourselves and acknowledge our unique experiences and identities. This self-reflection allows us to engage more authentically with one another, fostering open dialogue and understanding. Recognizing our shared humanity can strengthen our connections and create a space where everyone feels empowered to share their voice.

As we move forward with our initiatives, I invite each of you to actively participate in this process. Let us come together to share our stories, listen with empathy, and learn from the diverse perspectives that enrich our community. Together, we can cultivate a culture that not only celebrates our differences but also recognizes the unique contributions each person brings to the table.

I am looking forward to collaborating with all of you and hearing your thoughts and ideas on how we can enhance our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Thank you for being a part of this vital work, and let us embark on this journey together!

Sincerely,

Richard M. Mutts

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Kingswood Oxford

Michelle Caswell

Upper School English Teacher

Tylon Smith

Middle School Math Teacher

Matthew Wiggin

Middle School Drama Teacher

Felicia Velez

Student Services

Caitlin Moriarty

Upper School English Teacher

Office Hours

Monday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tuesday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday 11:50 a.m. – 1:10 p.m. and after school

Thursday 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“KO is a very tight-knit school. You’re going to know everyone by face if not by name. It’s very judgment free. We celebrate the differences in us, and that’s what brings us together because no person is an exact copy and paste of one another. We want you to grow in your strengths and work on your weaknesses in a productive way.”

— Charlotte, senior

Our commitment to working toward an environment that values diversity requires everyone – including faculty and staff – to further their understanding of diversity, including why differences matter and how they improve and enrich the School. Through our commitment, Kingswood Oxford seeks to maintain a workplace and educational environment in which everyone can reach his or her full potential and continuously improve his or her contribution to Kingswood Oxford and the community. The faculty employs the most current practices in the DEIB field, so our work is relevant and personalized.

The Wyvern Wellness curriculum has several classes devoted to equity issues, ranging from learning differences to gender stereotypes to race and racism. Members of the DEIB team visit throughout the year.
Upper School students attend the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Never is Now Summit in New York City to hear from anti-bias advocates and to attend workshops.
Upper School students on the Leadership Council arrange for speakers at assemblies, including Rabbi Lazowski, a Holocaust survivor who shared his powerful and moving experience.
Middle School students explore a variety of equity topics in workshops. One workshop focuses on social identifiers. Another equity activity is based on a Middle School reading of My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Symposium author Ibi Zoboi. To commemorate Pride Month, students examine LGBTQIA+ identities.