83. LGBTQ+ Initiatives at Dalton

“In fostering visibility and advocacy through divisional and school-wide observances, in preparing teacher materials and publications, we as a school seek to cultivate involvement and frame learning around the idea of a spectrum or continuum… while showing support and respect for LGBTQ+ persons in our lives and school.”
—Tracy Christopher, Middle and High School French and Co-Advisor, Middle School Spectrum

At a high school assembly sponsored in the 1990’s by editors of the Daltonian, Dalton alum and teacher Anne MacKay ’45 asked a question that took root in the mind and heart of many in attendance: Shouldn’t Dalton, a progressive school in a progressive city, have a gay-straight alliance?

Anne and student editors were essentially asking for Dalton’s support as an educational institution. Twenty years later, as support continues to fluctuate within American institutions in general, the seed planted in that assembly has flowered for all grades and groups throughout Dalton.

Bi-annual Visibility exhibits are just one outgrowth of the work faculty, students, parents, administrators, and alumni do in affirming partnership to show support and respect for LGBTQ+ persons in our lives and school.

In fostering visibility and advocacy through division-specific and school-wide observances such as Ally Week, in preparing teaching materials for our students and community members, in raising awareness via our publications, professional development, Admissions outreach, and leadership and discussion groups, we as a school seek to cultivate involvement while respecting confidentiality and privacy. We frame learning around the idea of a spectrum or continuum. We consider sexual orientation and gender identity and expression as characteristics of human diversity that also include hetero and cis-gender.

Without discounting the misunderstandings and oppression surrounding LGBTQ+ features of human diversity, we continue to discuss and educate in ways that affirm, that build a common vocabulary, and that honor Dalton’s institutional commitment to equity, justice, openness, and inclusion.

—Tracy Christopher, Middle & High School French Teacher and Co-Advisor, Middle School Spectrum