Hello folx,

Here is a crowd-sourced list of questions that would be helpful when trying to understand the hidden curriculum and culture around diversity, equity, inclusion and justice positions at a school.

This document was created through the collaboration of practitioners and scholars in a closed PoCC group. Knowing that this work requires individuals to navigate challenging climates and cultures, I have chosen to not attribute names with questions to protect the anonymity of our friends and colleagues. Please know that doing so was not in any way intended to take credit for anyone’s valuable work, input, or wisdom.

Do good work. Ask great questions.

Peace and love.

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Candidate Questions to ask Schools/Leaders:

“Give me an example of when someone in this position has experienced conflict with mission driven goals and parents/families who might not align with those aspects of the mission. How did you support the Director of Diversity in this example?”

“Knowing that this position is tasked with focusing on issues of diversity AND equity AND inclusion, which areas will you/have YOU struggled most in supporting this leadership role?”

“Recall a situation in which a parent has pushed back against some of the work related to diversity, equity and inclusion. What do you believe your role is in navigating the work of the director of diversity and fielding parent concerns?”

“Where does your school currently land in terms of anti-racism education? How does anti-racist work differ from multicultural work? And how do those values show up in your leadership?”

“How does your school view affinity group work?”

“As a leader, how do you address potential resistance? What examples can you provide in which your leadership was successful in addressing resistance? What examples can you provide in which your leadership was unsuccessful in addressing resistance?”

“We know that in order to make progress, we must create brave spaces. How have you created brave spaces for kids and adults in your school community? Provide examples.”

“How have you guided school admins to muster the courage needed to allow opportunities for dialogue and brave spaces?”

 “What are three tangible initiatives/changes you would like to see the new/incoming director of diversity make? What makes those three changes/outcomes important to you? To the community?”

“In what ways has the current political climate impacted or influenced the role of the Director of Diversity at your school?”

“As a head of school, how have you shown your school and the Board of Trustees that you are committed to the work of equity and justice?” “How does the Board of Trustees show commitment?”

“I asked if/where/how white people at the school were having conversations about race. I found the answers I got very telling.“

“When there’s cultural tension between the school and a member of the school community, sometimes, the tension is there because the school needs to do a better job of communicating its norms and values to the person. Sometimes, though, it’s an indication of the school’s blind spots. Maybe it’s the school that needs to change with this community member, not the community member. I asked about how the school has gone about drawing that line.”

“To what extent does your school’s development, advancement and cultivation initiatives align with mission? Or, help me understand how you navigate difficult decisions around philanthropy that might not align with values of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

“Please give me an example of a courageous curriculum, project or inquiry that you have implemented as a teacher/leader. How was that received by multiple stakeholders at your school?”