Hartsbrook Anti-Racism Statement

“The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.”

–Ijeoma Oluo, author of So You Want to Talk About Race

The leadership groups of the Hartsbrook School, which are the Conference and the Board of Trustees, with the support of the IDEA Committee, are committed to the Hartsbrook School becoming an antiracist institution.

The Hartsbrook Conference and Board of Trustees understand that the work of antiracism is aligned with our Shared Deeper Purpose to contribute to the renewal of humanity. The work of antiracism is also aligned with the mission of Waldorf education: to honor the unique spirit of each student and to be of service to the world. 

Rudolf Steiner founded Waldorf education in 1919. Racism and related social harms impacted his work, as they shape us, our school, and our society today. The Hartsbrook School stands behind the following Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) statement on racial comments in the works of Rudolf Steiner:

“We acknowledge that Rudolf Steiner[…]offered many profound insights that support the value and dignity of each human being and form the foundation of our organization’s histories and worldview. Yet, he also made statements that reflect harmful assertions regarding race and ethnicity. Racism, explicit or implicit, stands in direct conflict to the fundamental principles of Waldorf education[…]” (Accessed 5/23/22)

We believe that the culture of the Hartsbrook School reflects the individuals that make up the school and our own capacities to be racist or antiracist. It is our responsibility to identify and dismantle racism in ourselves and in the school, to work toward antiracism, and to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and equity. 

The Conference also recognizes the responsibility to continually examine ourselves as educators on a path towards antiracism. We are initiating and sustaining an examination of our policies and pedagogical practices so that the faculty can cultivate Waldorf education that respects and celebrates all of our students. We believe that everyone benefits from a school culture that fosters belonging and gratitude, where racial, ethnic, and cultural differences are embraced and valued.

We have much work ahead to do as a school to become an antiracist institution. This includes developing a system of implementation and accountability.