Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dawson Diversity Statement
Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.
Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues – respect, compassion, courage, and integrity – into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of disability, race, creed, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, gender expression, ability, or religion, or any other status protected by applicable law, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially-responsible decisions.
Annual Events
| Colorado CIRCLE STAMP Conference |
| Each October, the Middle School No Place for Hate Club attends the Colorado Circle STAMP Conference in Denver. During this day-long event, CIRCLE (Connecting Inclusive Responsive Communities Leading Education) works with young people, schools, and organizations across sectors to address systemic inequity and interpersonal inclusiveness. |
| Youth Celebrate Diversity NoCoWyo Conference |
| Each December, uppers school students are invited to attend the local Youth Celebrate Diversity Conference hosted at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. This local conference is a wonderful resource for connecting our students with similarly-focused student leaders and serves as a local alternative for students who can not attend the national SDLC conference. |
| NAIS People of Color Conference |
| The NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC) is the premier conference for diversity across independent schools. Each winter, thousands of educators and experts come together to support the ideals of inclusivity, belonging, equity, and diversity and implement best practices in their school communities. Annually, Dawson sends three to five educators to the PoCC Conference. |
| NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Converence |
| Affiliated with the NAIS People of Color Conference, the SDLC is the student component of the teacher conference. SDLC is focused on educating and empowering student leaders to be positive change agents in their school. Annually, Dawson sends four to six students to the SDLC Conference. These students then present their learning to faculty and staff. |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Each January, the Dawson No Place for Hate coalitions join together to plan and facilitate a K-12 special assembly focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s memory and ideals. The assembly highlights a specific act or quote from Dr. King’s life to celebrate, with the assembly including music, student presentations, and guest speakers. |
| Middle School Day of Affinity |
| Each fall and each spring, Dawson's Middle School hosts students of color from area schools for a Day of Affinity. Dawson began this event in 2022 in partnership with Boulder Country Day School and the International School of Denver. Dawson hosted the February 2024 Day of Affinity with seven schools and seventy guest students. |
| Dawson Cultural Celebration |
| Dawson’s Cultural Celebration occurs each spring and is an opportunity to celebrate our school community's diverse histories and cultures. This event hosts over 200 attendees and represents more than twenty-five cultures. The No Place for Hate students help plan and facilitate this event. |
| Guest Speakers |
| Dawson School is committed to hosting guest speakers for students, faculty, and the greater community that highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion. Past speakers have included Dr. Sarah Burgamy (“Creating Inclusive School Communities”), Ms. Jamie Morgan (Recognizing Implicit Bias and Microaggressions), and Mr. André Robert Lee (Understanding the Inequities in our Nation’s Past and Present). |
Student Clubs
No Place for Hate (NP4H)
Supported by the Anti-Defamation League, the No Place for Hate program is a student-led school climate improvement program that cultivates student leadership, unites school communities, and engages students and staff in active learning around the ideals of cultural competencies.
Learn more about the NP4H Program
Upper School NP4H
Faculty Leader
T.J. Alcala
Middle School NP4H
Faculty Co-Leaders
Liz Bender and Elizabeth Perez
Lower School NP4H
Faculty Co-Leaders
Stef Sarvadi and Ally Delaney
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
The Dawson School, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, is a student-run organization that unites LGBTQ+ and allied students to build community and organize around issues impacting our students and their school community. The middle school and upper school GSA clubs additionally serve as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and help lead multiple school programs to support inclusion and belonging at Dawson.
 |
US Faculty Leader MS Faculty Co-Leaders |
DEI Committee
Mrs. Elizabeth Perez
Middle School Science
Kristen Medler
Middle School Director
Emily A.
Class of 2026
Audrey M.
Class of 2028
George Moore
Head of School
Lisa Michael
Director, Dawson Summer Initiative
Charlie G.
Class of 2026
Clara N. B.
Class of 2026
Brenda Bickerton
Front Desk
Stefani Sarvadi
Lower School Teacher
Elsie H.
Class of 2026
Chayse R.
Class of 2026
Nick Malakhow
Middle School English
Carly Slagel
Director of Development and Community Partnerships