Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not a box to check and move past. Hand in hand — faculty, staff, board, and families — WSSD is on that journey, honestly.
We humbly seek a path forward that uplifts the dignity of every human being.
The word “journey” matters. This page is not a statement of having arrived. It is a statement of where we are, what we have done recently, and what we are still working on.
In brief
Why a page like this matters.
Waldorf education was founded by Rudolf Steiner, a thinker whose insights into how children grow are at the heart of every Waldorf classroom — and who also made assertions about race and ethnicity that have caused harm. A Waldorf school that does not say so openly is failing its own students. WSSD says so, and is working through the implications.
Our position
Where we stand.
The faculty, staff, administration, and board of WSSD are committed to actively deepening our understanding of our own history — and to serving equity across race, gender, ancestry and national origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, and ability.
We recognize the historical and ongoing impact of racism, and the injustice that historically marginalized people continue to face. Racial justice in education is a moral imperative.
Rudolf Steiner offered a profound vision of the value of every human being. We also acknowledge openly that Steiner made assertions about race and ethnicity that have caused harm. Racism — explicit or implicit — stands in direct conflict with the principles of our educational work. It is our task to hold to the idea of human wholeness that is the heart of Waldorf education, and to let go of what has caused harm.
We know we have far to go — as individuals, as a school, as a community. We are striving to do better.
What we have done recently
An external audit.
With Alma Partners — and in step with AWSNA and fellow Southern California Waldorf schools — WSSD completed a comprehensive equity audit of its practices. A working group of faculty, staff, and parents now manages the audit’s recommendations.
01
Land acknowledgment, in practice.
WSSD’s faculty took part in an in-service led by local queer and Indigenous educators from the Queer Sol Collective. The school has built relationships with Payómkawichum and Kumeyaay educators, gives Kumeyaay names to renovated campus spaces, and holds monthly fundraisers for the Tipey Joa Native Warriors.
02
Continuing training.
Faculty and staff take part in ongoing diversity and inclusion training — with a focus on gender identity, social justice, and neurodiversity in the classroom.
03
Still working
What we are still working on.
The audit was honest with us, and we will be honest about it. It pointed to work in three areas: our curriculum, our community life, and our policies and procedures. Its recommendations — ongoing cultural-competency training, a standing diversity working group, more inclusive curricula, and regular assessment to hold ourselves accountable — are the agenda we are working through now.
Speak up
If something needs to be raised.
If you have witnessed or experienced discrimination — direct, subtle, or unintentional — within our community, you can tell us. Our Community Concern Form is anonymous, and a member of the EID and administrative team receives every submission.
