Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Be who you are, all the time.
At Branson we strive to build – to use Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s phrase – a “Beloved Community,” based on justice, equal opportunity, and love for all fellow human beings, where all members are important and interconnected. We do this to better prepare our students for the world of tomorrow.
We also seek to model diversity as excellence. Research shows that diverse groups make better decisions, solve problems more readily and effectively, and generally experience better outcomes than groups that are homogeneous. Through exposure to diverse experiences and ongoing critical reflection, we are reimagining education and redefining brilliance.
Students, we want you to feel like you can show up at Branson as your authentic self, express your views openly and with dignity, have your differences celebrated, and feel seen and valued both for your strengths and your areas of growth. We know that when this is true, your learning will be deeper, richer, and will leave you better prepared for wherever your path will take you.
Learn more about the ways our DEI program is modeling diversity as excellence, building community, and cultivating future leaders throughout the Branson community.
Our Community Statement of Belonging
Branson believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of an excellent learning environment and a vibrant, caring community. We aspire to create a community in which every member feels a deep sense of belonging and inclusion.
Contact the DEI Office
Email us at dei@vivendaoriente.com
Affinity Spaces
Connecting with people with like experiences can provide insights and support. We currently offer 16 affinity groups for students, faculty/staff, and alumni—based on race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, size, nationality, family status, and more. Each year, new groups are created, reflecting the increasing diversity of our Branson community.
Gallard Fellowship
Since 1993, the Gallard Fellowship has enabled Branson to bring a Morehouse College or Spelman College graduate to teach here in their chosen field. The fellowship was created to attract African American men and women into the field of independent school education and has been instrumental in launching careers at Branson and beyond.
Heroes & Holidays
With over 100 unique forms of ethnicity represented in our people, Branson strives to become a Beloved Community in which every student’s cultural background can be celebrated, and where we learn from other's traditions and rituals.
Recent Highlights
Branson's beloved annual tradition, Gospel Night, marked a significant milestone this year as it celebrated its 30th anniversary.
On Thursday, February 8, 2024 the warm glow of Chinese New Year filled the Branson gym...
Branson's Beloved Community event on Thursday, January 11, 2024 celebrated 50 Years of Hip-Hop.
Honored to have best-selling author, advocate, and corporate leader Jim Fielding at Branson this week speaking with our students and parents
Branson alum Javier Zamora '08 shared his incredible story with our school community on October 4, 2023.
Branson's DEI student leaders, English teacher Dr. Neha Kamdar, and the DEI office present Branson's inaugural Multicultural Film & Food Festival on Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5, 2023 on the Branson campus.
Inspired by her Ethics & Justice class, Katherine Salz ‘24 presents Reimagining Education: Speaker Panel on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 10-11 am to help bring awareness to the educational inequity within Marin County. Learn more!
On Friday February 17, 2023, Branson welcomes renowned scholars Dr. Paulette Walker, 25th National President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and nationally recognized elementary school principal Mr. Otis Kitchen as keynote speakers for its annual "Beloved Community" event, entitled: Beloved Community: How to Navigate the World with Intention and Strategy