Memphis University School was founded on the principles of truth and honor. We are deeply saddened by events across our country that uphold neither of these ideals. As long as racism and violence persist in our nation, people will continue to suffer. Now is the time for change. We will do all we can to teach our students what is good and what is true, as we move forward together in a way that ensures justice and equity for all.
Dear MUS Community,
In keeping with our statement of June 2, we wanted to update you on the steps we are taking to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion at Memphis University School.
This summer we are creating the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee – comprising faculty, administrators, and black alumni – to identify action steps for the development and enhancement of school DEI programming. Some short-term goals for academic year 2020-21 include the following:
● Identify current strengths and challenges at MUS
● Continue to seek input from the school community
● Seek advice from the greater Memphis community; establish relationships to enhance DEI efforts
● Develop units for faculty professional development that focus on diversity and inclusion
● Develop programming and curricular opportunities for students
In time the DEI Committee will make recommendations to the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, which is charged with mapping the future of MUS.
Assistant College Counselor Curtis Johnson will chair the DEI Committee. Mr. Johnson came to MUS last year from Sewanee: The University of the South, where he was heavily involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in addition to his duties in the admissions office. He brings invaluable experience to our DEI effort and to his role as a college counselor. As committee chair he will work closely with Board Chair Sam Graham ’80, Chair-Elect Jim Burnett ’83, and me. Although Mr. Graham is handing the chairmanship to Mr. Burnett in July, he will continue to serve on the Board of Trustees through the 2020-21 school year and devote his trustee time to this initiative.
It is serendipitous and fortunate that the selections for Owls Read 2020 – an all-school reading assignment for the fall – are Letter from Birmingham Jail and I Have a Dream, by Martin Luther King, Jr. (the unabridged letter and speech). These powerful works, chosen in January, will offer timely opportunities to discuss race, intolerance, and the struggle for justice with our boys and our colleagues. As an educational institution devoted to excellence, we commit to ensuring our school will live out the ideals of our stated philosophy to be a community of mutual respect and concern regardless of individual differences.
We are truly in an extraordinary time. With the pandemic and the national conversation on social justice, we have much on our minds. The essential work of school continues as we prepare for an academic year that will look like no other. At the same time, we are working to develop programs that will strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion at MUS. No matter how challenging this process may be, it is a worthwhile and rewarding endeavor for our school, and we will act with thoughtful purpose and resolve.
As always, we welcome your thoughts. Please reply to this email with any comments.
Peter D. Sanders
Headmaster
Samuel N. Graham II ’80
Board of Trustees Chair
James F. Burnett ’83
Board of Trustees Chair-Elect