Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice & Belonging
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) stand as core values at Copenhagen International School, guiding our commitment to fostering a community that is open and accepting. As an international school, we understand that diversity is so much more than just ethnic differences, but also a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, identities, and abilities. We are devoted to creating an inclusive environment where every member of our community experiences a genuine sense of belonging, respect, and value.
At CIS, we live out our commitment to DEIJ through student-led initiatives like the Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and the Racial & Social Justice Union. These groups actively promote inclusivity, encourage open conversations, and organize events that celebrate diversity, making sure our dedication to fairness and equality is more than just words—it’s part of everyday school life for every student.
This page is evolving along with CIS. Come back to read (and see) what CIS students and teachers are doing to make our school a more inclusive place!
CIS Statement of Inclusion & Belonging
It is our firm belief that all our faculty, staff, families, and students have important roles to play in ensuring an inclusive experience for everyone. Openness to inquiry and respectful, robust discussion are essential not only for dynamic intellectual development but also for cultivating mutual understanding in any diverse community. At our international school, we differ in the cultural lenses, belief systems, and cognitive maps we bring. We will strive, therefore, to enhance a school culture of counsel and dialogue, an environment in which all can participate and fully express their authentic views and selves. This is one in which we practice empathy, active listening, and mutual respect. We can then respond constructively to the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that come with the diversity that enriches our school.
Copenhagen International School aims to provide a welcoming environment that fosters safety, trust, collaboration, and growth. In such a setting, everyone can thrive academically,socially, professionally, and personally. It means seeing oneself reflected in daily learning experiences and feeling connected to peers in a nurturing school community environment.
Racial & Social Justice Union
The Racial Social Justice Union is a student-founded and student-run extracurricular club at CIS. Formed in 2021 by Secondary School students following George Floyd’s death in 2020, the club’s objectives include ongoing efforts to address racial and social issues in our school community and the outside world. Meetings run every Friday in the A Tower, primarily amongst the upper secondary students, where we have active, inclusive and respectful discussions surrounding relevant topics.
Throughout the running years of the club, there have been considerable achievements such as several initiatives around Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a revising of the syllabus to be more inclusive and diverse as well as engagement with the younger grades and teachers through presentations and PD day. The current RSJU leadership has more to get done, continuing what has already been implemented and working to bring awareness and change to these issues for the rest of the school. This can be achieved through our commitment to our mission statement of, “Empower allies to take action for racial & social justice and establish a safe forum for the CIS community to take initiative’’.
GSA & YANA
CIS currently has a number of groups to support students and staff who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The YANA (You Are Not Alone) club is an open invitation club for Primary School students in grades 3-5 during lunch/recess time. The club was created by two students who wanted a friendly, safe, and welcoming place for anyone to come and feel a sense of belonging. Their focus is on projects to spread kindness and positivity throughout our primary school.
Entirely student led, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) offers a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and is open to allies who want to learn and be supportive. The GSA meets in the Secondary School each week during the respective MYP and DP lunch/recess times, and is fledgling in the Primary School. On May 2nd, we look forward to the first meeting of the staff and faculty affinity group (2SLGBTQIA+).
