Equity, Justice, and Belonging at SSFS
Here at Sandy Spring Friends School, one of the things we’re most known for—and that we intentionally foster—is a sense of belonging for our students, faculty, and staff. We see diversity as a strength that enriches all that we do. We’re a diverse community, but more important than numbers or stats, we actively foster a culture of inclusivity that values multiple perspectives and is supported by transformational dialogue and civic engagement. Our approach is an important part of our Quaker values.
The Office of Institutional Equity, Justice, and Belonging (OIEJB)
Visit the OIEJB ed page for more information and resources related to heritage months, holidays, celebrations, and other programming.
Connect with OIEJB
Dr. Tawanda Owens
Director of Institutional Equity, Justice, and Belonging
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Shannon Needham
Learning Resource Coordinator for OIEJB
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Terrell Davis
Middle School OIEJB Coordinator
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Hayes Davis
Assistant Director of Institutional Equity, Justice, and Belonging
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Jasmine Wang
International Student OIEJB Coordinator
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Phillip Mallari
Lower School OIEJB Coordinator
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At A Glance
diversity
53%
Students identify as Students of Color
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12+
Religious affiliations represented
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6
Countries represented in the Boarding Program
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40%
Students receive financial aid
Sandy Spring Friends School embraces diversity, equity, justice, and belonging as critical to the fulfillment of our mission.
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Sandy Spring Friends School embraces diversity, equity, justice, and belonging as critical to the fulfillment of our mission. Our Quaker values compel us to practice integrity and to encourage each member of our school to “Let your lives speak.” We encourage an atmosphere of inquiry and reflection into the important and complex issues of human and civil rights. We stand against systemic oppression and discrimination and actively work to eradicate them on our campus and in our world. Our curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular programming reflect this commitment from the experiences of our earliest learners through their time as our alums, to the on-going education and development of our administration, faculty, staff, parents, and trustees. From this foundation, all members of the school community actively foster a culture of inclusivity that values multiple perspectives and is supported by transformational dialogue and civic engagement.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 2021
Our Community
Sandy Spring Friends School is a community of learners, guided by the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. We use our Quaker heritage and our community’s diversity to build community and connection.
Our community is enriched by racial and ethnic diversity. Our student body is made up of 39% European American, 25% African American, 7% Asian, 3% Latinx/Hispanic, 17% Multiracial, 1% Middle Eastern, 5% Undisclosed, and 3% International (boarding students represent a variety of different countries across the globe).
Our international residential life program provides a unique and rich cross-cultural experience for both the American and international students. Our boarding students enrich the diversity we have on campus both ethnically and culturally—it includes students from across the globe!
Affinity & Alliance Groups at SSFS
Here at SSFS, creating a place of belonging involves each student feeling comfortable being themselves. So, we intentionally create opportunities for connection and empower community members to learn about themselves and others.
- What are Affinity Groups?
- What are Alliance Groups?
- Student Affinity & Alliance Groups
- Upper School Affinity Group Schedule
- INTERSECT: Supporting Our Students Across Difference
What are Affinity Groups?
What are Alliance Groups?
Student Affinity & Alliance Groups
Upper School Affinity Group Schedule
INTERSECT: Supporting Our Students Across Difference
Diversity in our Curriculum
Our faculty integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion topics into our curriculum to help expand our student's understanding of the world and themselves. Diversity is a strength that enriches all that we do.