Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Lincoln School was founded in 1884 to provide a space for a girl's education— addressing marginalization was built into our mission from the very beginning.
Now, more than 140 years past our founding, we remain committed to adapting to the demands of our changing world while still honoring our school’s core values and traditions. These values and traditions are rooted in our Quaker identity, where creating the time and space to foster an inclusive, informed, and just community is a critical component of a Lincoln School education.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Lincoln means that we are actively working to uphold both our mission and our statement on diversity and inclusion.
Our commitment to equity and antiracism calls us to foster an inclusive community where every person feels valued, heard, and able to fully participate. Across all areas of school life, we strive to lead with transparency, respect, and a shared responsibility to live out our mission every day.
Statement on Diversity & Inclusion
Lincoln School values difference and honors a multiplicity of perspectives that includes, but is not limited to, age, religion, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, gender, physical ability, and family structure. We are committed to the Quaker values of equity, justice, peace, and community. These ideals are driven by an understanding that a socially conscious learner is an empowered one, one who engages in critical self reflection and honest action.
All members of the Lincoln School community—students, alumnae, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and trustees—will honor, embrace, and empower difference and individuality as sources of strength.
Learn more about some of the ways in which diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is lived and learned at Lincoln through Our Commitment, The Center, and Our Practices.
Our Commitment to Belonging, Equity, and Accountability
At Lincoln School, our commitment to equity and belonging is grounded in our Quaker values and reflected in the daily life of the school. This work is ongoing and requires intentional action, reflection, and accountability across all areas of our community.
We recognize that building an equitable and inclusive school is not a one-time initiative, but a sustained practice. Guided by community voice, data, and best practices in education, we continue to strengthen our systems, programs, and culture to ensure that all members of our community, especially those who have been historically marginalized, feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Our work is currently focused on:
Equitable Hiring and Retention
Strengthening recruitment, hiring, and retention practices to build and sustain a diverse and thriving faculty and staff community.
Curriculum and Learning
Advancing a curriculum across all divisions that supports critical thinking, identity development, and engagement with diverse perspectives.
Student Experience and Community Care
Creating a school environment where all students, particularly students of color, experience a strong sense of belonging, affirmation, and support.
Accountability and Institutional Growth
Using data, reflection, and shared responsibility to continuously assess and improve our practices.
Community Engagement and Partnership
Building meaningful relationships with organizations and communities that inform our work and elevate diverse voices.
Global Citizenship and Responsibility
Cultivating students’ ability to engage across difference, understand global systems and inequities, and lead with empathy, awareness, and responsibility in an interconnected world.
The Center at Lincoln
Global Citizenship in the Upper School
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about Global Citizenship in the Upper School
Global Citizenship in the Lower School
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about Global Citizenship in the Lower School
Grade 8 Human Rights Program — New York City
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about Grade 8 Human Rights Program — New York City
L.I.F.E. (Lincoln’s Identity Framework for Empowerment)
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about L.I.F.E. (Lincoln’s Identity Framework for Empowerment)
The Center for Justice, Peace, and Global Citizenship
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about The Center for Justice, Peace, and Global Citizenship
Social Justice Programming
Lincoln students organize programs throughout the school year to create space for courageous conversations around identity, culture, oppression, and community transformation. These programs, led by our Upper School Social Justice Clubs, 2B1 and L.E.A.G. (Lincoln's Environmental Action Group), foster an honest and caring community at Lincoln and are made more meaningful by the participation by community organizers, activists, thought leaders, and politicians.
Affinity Groups
Lincoln School creates time and space for identity development through discourse and celebrates each individual.
Lincoln Affinity Groups are open to students, faculty/staff, and parents who can speak from the “I” perspective, and who can reflect and discuss the unique experiences of this shared identity. Students are allowed to explore different affinity groups, but are not required to attend any affinity group space.
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