 | Riverdale is dedicated to creating and maintaining a community that is inclusive of all its members, regardless of differences in ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, or any other attribute. Furthermore, Riverdale seeks to both reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in its students, faculty, and staff, as well as to raise young men and women who are truly global citizens by using our curriculum, programs, and activities to expand the minds and the worlds of our students.
There are a number of ways Riverdale works to achieve these very important goals. At every grade level, students are exposed to a curriculum that challenges them to see other points of view and exposes them to other ways of thinking and experiencing the world. At the Lower School, some of the ways we hope to achieve our goals are through the Students of Color Society (SOCS) and the Parents of Color (POC), which work to support families of color and to address important topics with the larger community. We use assemblies to address topics or bring in performers that will enrich students’ lives. The faculty in all divisions participates in professional development activities that help them recognize and address issues of diversity in the classroom and social spaces.
In the Middle and Upper Schools, students have the opportunity to join a number of affinity groups, including Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness (HOLA), Gay Lesbian or Whatever (GLOW), Black Student Alliance (BSA), Asian students’ group (AAA). Each of these affinity groups produces an assembly for the entire Upper School to tackle difficult topics. Our Middle School hosted the first Hilltop Diversity Conference, along with Horace Mann and Fieldston School. Students and faculty participate in the People of Color of Conference every year to brainstorm on ways to make Riverdale an even more inclusive community. We support our students to participate in DAIS annual conference (Diversity Awareness In Students) as well as other programs. The Parents of Color (POC) group is an integral and vibrant group on campus that works closely with the Community Development team to host banquets, discussions and provide support to the newest members of the community.
At Riverdale, we do not leave inclusion to chance. The Community Development Team consists of five individuals who actively work to ensure that families of all different backgrounds and compositions feel comfortable and ensure that diversity is integrated throughout the community and the curriculum.
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| AAA The Asian American Alliance discusses the role, culture and identity of Asian Americans in Riverdale and the society at large, in order to cultivate a cultural awareness to promote openness and acceptance of more than one culture as one's identity. Essentially, this affinity group is a multicultural gathering of student leaders that focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building a stronger community. AAA’s primary purpose is to attract, educate and motivate a group of students from ANY background who combine a record of intellectual thinking with energy, creativity, and the capacity to become leaders in society. Through deep discussions ranging from crucial historical events to current issues,hands-on projects, and film screening, community service efforts, etc, AAA will create a supportive environment and a solid foundation where students can feel more comfortable to express their opinions and ideas. AAA also hopes to encourage both members and non-members to fully embrace the relevant issues concerning diversity with a broader perspective. |
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| BSA BSA looks to be a proactive support in and outside of the Riverdale community where people can come together in building a community that values diversity and equality. We look to focus on strengthening the African-American student population on campus using discussion, mentorship, and community service opportunities. |
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| GLOW The mission of GLOW is twofold: To provide a forum for students, regardless of their sexual orientation, to talk about anything related to the LGBTQ community, inside or outside of Riverdale and to raise awareness in Riverdale about the greater LGBTQ community as a means of increasing tolerance and understanding. GLOW believes all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression deserve to feel safe and support. That means I pledge to: Not use anti-LGBT(lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) language or slurs. Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where students are being harassed. |
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| HOLA The mission of The Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness is to celebrate the rich Hispanic cultures of the Latino members of the Riverdale community through discussion mentorship and community service. The organization seeks to serve as a voice for the Hispanics at Riverdale while embracing people of all backgrounds. HOLA focuses on creating an environment that encourages diversity and which provides a sense of equality and community between its members. |
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| | Community Development Team Lower School
Demetra Caldwell
Director of Community Development
E-mail: dcaldwell@riverdale.edu
Latoya Allen
Coordinator of Community DevelopmentE-mail: lallen@riverdale.edu
Lorraine MahonyCoordinator of Community Development
E-mail: lmahony@riverdale.edu
Middle & Upper School
Dwight Vidale
Director of Community DevelopmentE-mail: dvidale@riverdale.edu KC CohenCoordinator of Community Development
E-mail: kccohen@riverdale.edu
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