The following commitment statement pertains to all those who are part of the American School of Doha community

The American School of Doha community is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive school climate and learning environment, while denouncing all forms of discrimination and inequality. ASD invites and values diversity. We welcome and celebrate all community members. We acknowledge the impact of current and historical inequality and prejudice, and firmly believe that honoring dignity is non-negotiable and the most basic of rights regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, color, culture, national origin, age, identity or expression, ableness, or socioeconomic status.

This commitment is consistent with the school’s Mission and  Vision. In addition to academic enhancement, we also work to actively develop character and citizenship to prepare our Learners to positively impact our world. This is consistent with the school’s core values of respect, honesty, responsibility, and kindness

DIVERSITY

Diversity at ASD is defined as: all the ways in which people differ; all the characteristics that make one individual or group distinct or unique from one another. 

Diversity in the ASD learning program teaches Learners to:

• Value and honor diverse perspectives, people and ideas
• Learn diverse histories and cultural backgrounds
• Recognize that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination within different contexts

EQUITY

Equity at ASD is defined as: the guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement.

Equity in the ASD learning program teaches Learners to: 

• Identify and challenge inequity at different levels in society and our school
• Interrogate and disarm microaggressions and biases
• Cultivate the consciousness and skills that enable us to recognize, respond to, and redress conditions that deny some access to opportunity that others readily have access to (the opportunity may be societal, social, educational, professional, etc)

INCLUSION

Inclusion at ASD is defined as: engaging as part of the community; knowing and feeling you belong because your equal worth and inherent dignity are honored. 

Inclusion in ASD learning program teaches Learners to:

• Interact with all people, whether similar or different from us
• Develop intercultural competencies including the use of inclusive language and knowledge to accurately describe difference
• Express curiosity about the history and lived experiences of others without tokenizing or expecting diverse groups to educate us. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE 

Social Justice at ASD is defined as: the act of interrogating structural systems, approaches and beliefs within the school to actively remove any barriers that may prevent people from experiencing the fairness and dignity they are entitled to. 

Social Justice in the ASD learning program teaches Learners to:

• Challenge individuals or systems when words, actions or views exclude or hurt others or hurt marginalized groups.
• Identify systems and actions that exclude or marginalize groups
• Create liberating, just, reparative and restorative processes

Adapted from ISS Diversity Collaborative DEIJ SDGs

LOCAL QATARI CONNECTION

ASD honors and celebrates our choice to be guests in the tradition-rich country of Qatar. Our Social Studies units at each grade level are expected to provide intentional Qatar history learning within at least one unit of study per year. There may also be elements of local Qatari connection across other subject units of study. This is welcome but not required.

As a result of their time at ASD, our Learners:

• Gain an understanding of Doha as the city we live in as well as the past and present of the country of Qatar
• Gain a respect and appreciation of the heritage and culture that underpin and influence contemporary life in Qatar
• Gain an appreciation and understanding of how Islamic values influence contemporary Qatari society.
• Engage in opportunities to enhance their learning by accessing people, places, and experiences outside the walls of ASD and within the community of Qatar.

Adapted from Qatar National Vision 2030 Plan