. . be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations,
wherever you come, that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world,
answering that of God in every one. . . 

George Fox, 1656 

For over 300 years Quaker spiritual practice has been animated by the practices of heart and mind so succinctly described by George Fox. One such practice, Equality, has urged Quakers to recognize and respect that of God in each and every one we encounter in our daily rounds. 

The Quaker Equality Testimony is deeply aligned with the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. It is rooted in the belief that all people have inherent worth and are equal in the eyes of God, which leads to practices and values that promote fairness, justice, and belonging. As Quaker schools, the Equality testimony supports diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives in several ways: 

1. AFFIRMATION OF INHERENT EQUALITY 
Quakers believe that every individual carries "that of God" within them, which underscores the sacred value of each person and respects diversity of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, citizenship, and ability. This principle inspires acceptance and inclusion of a diversity of identities and experiences in all settings. 

2. CHALLENGING SYSTEMS 
The Equality Testimony calls for active work to address structures of inequality and injustice. This aligns with DEI work, which seeks to confront systemic discrimination and create equitable opportunities for all in our school communities. Quakers have historically been involved in abolitionist movements, women's suffrage, and civil rights, demonstrating this commitment. 

3. INCLUSIVE PRACTICES IN COMMUNITY BUILDING 
The Quaker decision-making processes—finding unity in a sense of the gathered meeting after offering an opportunity to hear multiple voices—promotes inclusive dialogue, shared input, and reflective listening. This can promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity goals by fostering environments where everyone feels valued and heard, especially groups that have historically been marginalized and silenced. 

4. COMMITMENT TO EQUITY OVER UNIFORMITY 
The Equality Testimony acknowledges that achieving true equity requires proactively addressing imbalances and disparities. Similarly, diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives also emphasize the importance of equitable—not merely equal—opportunities to level the playing field for those historically excluded. 

5. FOCUS ON SIMPLICITY AND ACCESSIBILITY 
Quakers seek to remove barriers that prevent full participation. This aligns with diversity, equity, and inclusivity efforts to ensure environments are accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, language differences, or challenges that inhibit access. 

6. ANTI-BIAS AND SELF-REFLECTION 
Quakers emphasize inward reflection and continuous self-improvement, encouraging individuals and institutions to confront and address their conscious and unconscious biases. Diversity initiatives similarly rely on self-awareness and accountability in fostering inclusivity and equity. 

By embodying these principles, the Quaker Equality Testimony provides a spiritual and ethical framework for advancing our DEI efforts, inspiring actions that value diversity, address inequities, and build inclusive communities.