Letter delivered on July 16th 2020:

Dear Messrs. Greene and Trower, 

Allen-Stevenson’s mission to “educate boys to become scholars and gentlemen” is a worthy one. However, not every boy who attends Allen-Stevenson feels supported in a way that demonstrates the school’s promise to “understand him as a whole person.” 

Recent events have forced this country to reckon with the truth of its ugly past: Black lives have been systemically and systematically devalued, discredited and dehumanized. Systemic racism needs to end in all of its manifestations in our society and Allen-Stevenson must do its part to combat and eliminate the entrenched institutional racism within.

We are standing in solidarity with many other alumni of color from independent schools such as Brearly, Spence and Chapin in calling out the instances of overt racism that have been experienced over several decades and the institutional culture that has contributed to a lack of representation among these schools faculty and leadership. It is time for Allen-Stevenson to take a more active role in creating a safe, inclusive and anti-racist environment for all students, parents, faculty and staff.

In line with the strategic priorities set forth on February 6, 2020, we strongly urge Allen-Stevenson address these initial priorities:

- The creation of a full-time Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director position for the 2021 - 2022 academic year
- Alumni of Color, as nominated by the Alumni of Color Council at Allen-Stevenson, appointed to the Board of Trustees
- An immediate DEI assessment, to be completed by an outside consultant
- Mandatory ongoing anti-racist curriculum and faculty training, including a set standard on common language around racism, inclusion, and diversity, with strict protocols or holding each staff member accountable for their achievement towards this goal 
- An action plan for hiring and retaining faculty and administrators of color
- A scheduled meeting with representatives from the Alumni of Color and the board to discuss specific plans to move these and all other Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives forward

In the weeks to come, we are forming the Allen-Stevenson Alumni of Color Council. Its goal will be to work with Allen-Stevenson in order to provide a nurturing environment for current and future students of color.

Allen-Stevenson has shaped us to be thoughtful, responsible, and determined gentlemen. It is because of our time here that we have a responsibility to ensure that Allen-Stevenson does not fall short of its commitment to provide our current and future students with a “joyful, safe environment for learning.”

We look forward to engaging with the leadership of Allen-Stevenson in a productive discourse concerning our demands.

Fortiter et Recte

Sincerely,

Allen-Stevenson Alumni of Color