Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at Kingswood Oxford day school

At Kingswood Oxford, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is not a standalone initiative—it is a lived practice that shapes how we learn, lead, and connect every day. Guided by Director of DEIB Rich Mutts, our approach centers on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the belief that strong communities are built through authentic relationships.

Bring your authentic self to KO.

Everyone is welcome here.

DEIB Updates

A Community Where Every Student Feels Seen, Safe, and Supported

A truly equitable school is one where students and adults can show up as their authentic selves, knowing their experiences, identities, and perspectives are valued. Rich Mutts describes it as a community where reflection is the norm:

“We all stereotype. We all have biases… It’s not about perfection. It’s about acknowledging where feelings come from and choosing to grow.”

Our DEIB work emphasizes:

Emotional intelligence as the foundation of equity
Respectful dialogue across differences
Belonging as a measurable and felt experience
Growth mindset as the core of meaningful community change

Meet Rich Mutts, the Director of DEIB

“KO is a very tight-knit school. You’re going to know everyone by face if not by name. It’s very judgment free. We celebrate the differences in us, and that’s what brings us together because no person is an exact copy and paste of one another. We want you to grow in your strengths and work on your weaknesses in a productive way.”

— Charlotte, senior

KO’s DEIB programming goes beyond events and workshops. It is integrated into the rhythms of school life through:

Student Affinity & Alliance Groups
Safe spaces where students explore identity, culture, and community. These groups also host campus-wide cultural events—from Diwali and Rosh Hashanah celebrations to Hispanic Heritage Month activities—sparking curiosity and connection across the school.

Civil Discourse & Courageous Conversations
We teach students and faculty how to engage in respectful disagreement—a practice Mutts calls “good friction”.

Climate & Belonging Surveys
Biannual surveys help us understand student experiences, strengthen support for communities, and identify areas for improvement.

The Respond & Resolve System
A confidential reporting tool that empowers students to speak up, address concerns, and shape the culture of their school.

Faculty Development & Support
Teachers learn how to navigate identity, culture, and current events with confidence—and with the humility to say, “Let’s learn this together.”

Faculty resources include:

Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference Institute

Equity in Practice Guidelines

Five Shifts to Co-Create Equity

NAIS People of Color Conference

National Seed – Seeking Educational Equity & Diversity

National Employment Minority Network

White Privilege Conference