Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Our DEI Statement

PS 295 Brooklyn embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as more than a concept. We believe it is an opportunity to delve into, appreciate, and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community.

At our school:

We are creating “windows” to explore other cultures and “mirrors” to reflect our own culture and identity.
We are fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and valued.
We are cultivating an understanding of our diverse backgrounds and promote equity for all.
We are building a community that honors the identities of our students, their families, the staff, and the wider world.
We are amplifying voices that have been marginalized and dispelling misconceptions as we move forward together.

Our curriculum integrates these values into the entire elementary school journey, not just highlighting cultural holidays and historical heroes, but empowering every child to see themselves and others in every learning moment.

Diversity in our Schools

The NYC Department of Education is committed to creating and supporting learning environments that reflect the diversity of New York City. We believe all students benefit from diverse and inclusive schools and classrooms. We strive to welcome and support all students, families, and school staff.

Learn more about NYC Department of Education's Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Diversity Plan to increase and support diversity in our schools. In our school district, the D15 Diversity Plan was established to create a community-based middle school diversity plan for School District 15 in Brooklyn, New York.

PS 295 DEI Committee

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee at PS 295 Brooklyn is made up of school staff and interested adults from our school families. It meets monthly over video chat for both purposeful discussion and meaningful action, and asks for a yearlong commitment starting in September.

In addition, the DEI Committee hosts monthly community forums over video chat, where everybody in the school community are invited to attend (without having an ongoing commitment). These forums are a way to hear what is going on, be curious, provide feedback, and ask questions.

District 15 Youth Equity Congress

Two students from our 4th and 5th grades at PS 295 participate in the NYC District 15 Youth Equity Congress, sharing ideas with other schools in our district while growing their leadership skills, fostering student voices through choice and agency.

This transformative initiative is designed to empower students from diverse backgrounds across grades 4-12, gaining skills in advocacy, shared responsibility, teamwork, and debate. This ongoing series of workshops brings together about 70 participants focused on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

PS 295 Pride Community

Our student-led community moderated by PS 295 teachers meets monthly over lunch to provide an encouraging and inclusive platform for everyone to share their voice and learn from each other. Together we celebrate the many ways to express identity, love, and our collective efforts to build a school culture where everyone belongs.

Brooklyn Pride Parade

Our school community, families, teachers, staff, and friends are enthusiastic participants in the annual Brooklyn Pride Parade, this family-centered neighborhood celebration in Park Slope. Each year our motto is “Pride is Alive at PS 295” to champion and advocate for everyone being all of our authentic selves in our community.

Proud Educators Network Partner

PS 295 is delighted to be a partner with Proud Educators Network, an organization of LGBTQ+ educators that aims to make schools safe and supportive for students and educators of all identities. We have hosted conversations about the inclusive education experience in our school community and our ongoing DEI work over the years.

Windows and Mirrors

Part of our work focuses on including windows and mirrors for our community. This is guided by New York State’s Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Curriculum Guide.

The NYC Department of Education uses an educational strategy that embraces students’ identities. We call it “culturally responsive-sustaining education (CR-SE).” It is a way of seeing diversity as a source of knowledge. With CR-SE, students use their own identity to get education. They learn using aspects of their race, social class, gender, language, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or ability. Studies show that students learning with CR-SE are more active in class. They graduate more often, with better grades. Their self-esteem improves, and they become better citizens.

New York City is a diverse and inspiring city. But it, like much of America, is rife with bias and inequality. We want to give students mirrors that reflect the greatness of who their people are, and windows into the world that allow students to connect across cultures. To give all students both windows and mirrors, we will adopt a culturally responsive approach throughout all major policy areas.

A World of Rainbows

At PS 295, we believe social support and acceptance from adults and peers is vital for all of our students. Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent.

LGBTQ youth who report the presence of trusted adults in their school have higher levels of self-esteem (source: Dessel et al., 2017) and access to supportive peers is protective against anxiety and depression, including among those who lack support from their family (source: Parra et al., 2018).

Together we can create environments of welcoming, inclusive, and loving support that increase representation and spark learning and innovation. We take responsibility for the future through our actions and aspirations today.