Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources: Student Health and Well-Being and the Intersection of Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Updated May 1, 2020

In the best of times, Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, those in the LGBTQ community, and children and families who are poor, low income, or subject to additional social and economic displacement are hit hardest by natural or human-made disasters and other societal ills. This is no less true, and perhaps even magnified, by the ravages of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
 
As NAIS member schools inclusive of many different demographics, it’s critical that we take into account racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and other dimensions of difference that are impacted by the decisions schools are making in response to risks posed by the coronavirus. Virtual classes require computers and high-speed internet, and courses offered during the day may pose a challenge for older students who must care for their younger siblings or other family members while parents and guardians work. Racism, xenophobia, and hate crimes against Asians have risen dramatically in the US and abroad. And recent data show that African Americans are succumbing to COVID-19 at alarmingly disproportionate rates. All of this and more is occurring as students and adults struggle to protect themselves from yet another invisible force that threatens their lives.
 
These and other equity issues illuminated by our present crisis impact the health and well-being of our students and all the adults that help schools run. Consequently, we will continue to curate and share information and resources that speak to these disparities, and that calls us to be mindful of every member of our community. Moreover, we invite you to share any ideas and solutions you’ve developed to prevent your students or colleagues from being unduly burdened by the pivots undertaken to address this pandemic and keep the heart of our schools open to all during this public health crisis.
 
Please note: The following links and content are for informational purposes only, and do not constitute legal, medical, or other professional advice. The opinions expressed in these resources are those of their respective author(s), and do not necessarily reflect NAIS positions or policies. NAIS does not endorse, promote, or guarantee any products or services referenced in these resources.
 

NAIS Sharing Solutions

  • NAIS Sharing Solutions: Use this new site designed to harness the spirit of collaboration to gather and share helpful resources on student and adult health and well-being and the intersection of race, diversity, equity and inclusion. In one easy-to-access forum, schools can submit tips, strategy summaries, videos, stories, sample plans, or anything you think might spark an idea for another independent school colleague. There is a section devoted to caring for community. 

News Alerts

Equity, Diversity, Injustice, and Inclusion

Grief and Loss

Click here for additional resources on coping with grief and loss.

Mental Health and Wellness Matters

Digital Safety and Online Learning

Children, Youth, and Families

Well-being Resources for Educators

Focus on Social Justice

RacialEquityTools.org (a sampling of racial equity and social justice resources): This list was compiled to help equip communities and activists with information that addresses both in-the-moment and long-term outcomes of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The list is crowdsourced, such that readers may submit a resource by following link.