About
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
From the Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement: We are a community that cares
Ransom Everglades School has survived world wars, hurricanes, pandemics and countless tragic world events. We know we cannot control what happens outside our gates, but we can control what happens on our campuses and in our classrooms. Ransom Everglades is more than just a place of learning; it is a community of people who share a culture and core values. As Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement, I work with our professional community every day to ensure that our students feel safe, supported and at home at RE. We won’t always agree, but we will always listen, treat each other with respect, and support one another. I had the opportunity to address our upper school students two weeks ago, and I wanted to share with you the essence of that message.
Remarks from the upper school assembly on October 24, 2023:
Good morning students. It breaks my heart to know you are growing up during these most difficult times. But know this: it is normal if your sense of safety has been shaken. It is normal that when one experiences trauma of any kind, directly or indirectly, you may have intrusive thoughts, nightmares or deep-seated worry. It is even normal to feel tension toward others because of what is happening.
Good morning students. It breaks my heart to know you are growing up during these most difficult times. But know this: it is normal if your sense of safety has been shaken. It is normal that when one experiences trauma of any kind, directly or indirectly, you may have intrusive thoughts, nightmares or deep-seated worry. It is even normal to feel tension toward others because of what is happening.
We are watching history unfold. We know there are some of you who are doing more than just watching. You are experiencing the stories of family members, friends, and loved ones who are living this turmoil. Our prayers are with you and those you love.
Ransom Everglades School offers more than just academics and well wishes. We offer you a safe space, community and support. What happens outside these walls is outside of our control. But inside these walls, we will choose love. We will choose togetherness. And as you have heard so many times before from Mrs. [Rachel] Rodriguez and Mr. [David] Clark, we will choose kindness. Regardless of your beliefs or background, each of you belongs here and if anyone makes you feel otherwise, please reach out to a trusted adult. We live by our mission and core values, and we stand against exclusion, hatred, stereotypes and racism. Know that your teachers, administrators, staff, and I are standing by to help you in any way we can.
This school was founded in 1903. We have survived two world wars, multiple pandemics, and even more hurricanes. Yet, our mission and the core of who we are has remained intact. This time will be no different. Quoting from our core values: We are a diverse community, and we promote collaborative inquiry, open-minded discussion and authentic curiosity about different perspectives and cultures.
This school was founded in 1903. We have survived two world wars, multiple pandemics, and even more hurricanes. Yet, our mission and the core of who we are has remained intact. This time will be no different. Quoting from our core values: We are a diverse community, and we promote collaborative inquiry, open-minded discussion and authentic curiosity about different perspectives and cultures.
Be kind. Care for one another during these challenging moments. Who you are is defined by what you do, not just what you believe. Be an asset, be a bridge, be the glue that anchors our community, so that when historians write about how Ransom Everglades School survived these perilous times, it will be a story that will make your grandchildren proud. My heart, my prayers, my love, my respect goes out to each and every one of you. Stay strong.
Wendell Graham '74
Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement
Middle School
2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
Upper School
3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 460 8800
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.