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Statement from Head of School

Racist Graffiti in Saranac Lake

Racism of all kinds, including the abhorrent graffiti found in neighboring Saranac Lake recently, is antithetical to the values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Courage, and Responsibility that are the foundation of the Northwood School community. Such acts are meant to intimidate and threaten all of us who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, but especially the Black members of our community. We are not intimidated and will redouble our efforts to be an institution that embraces an active and conscious effort to work against multidimensional aspects of racism.

We celebrate the outstanding work of the Adirondack Diversity Institute and its Director, Nicky Hylton-Patterson. We stand with the Institute in the effort toward a more welcoming and inclusive Adirondacks. We also thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his commitment to doing “whatever it takes to help ensure that people feel safe and welcome in their own communities.”

Everywhere we look this summer, it seems we are fighting inequality and longing for greater inclusion. This moment has led us to Northwood's theme for the 2020-21 school year: “Fighting Inequality. Embracing Inclusion.” Throughout the academic year, our school community will engage in reflection, conversation, inquiry, and action that explore this theme as it relates to the global and national crises as well as to our own community. Our journey will begin with the 2020 All-School Read, The Other Wes Moore, and we welcome and encourage the community to join us.