According to Norwegian law, the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act, effective from 1 January 2018, protects against discrimination on various grounds including gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The Act promotes gender equality, ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, and cultural development. It mandates efforts to prevent discrimination and promote equality.

 

At Sandnes International School, we firmly believe that every community member—faculty, staff, families, and students—plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment. Open inquiry and respectful dialogue are key to intellectual growth and mutual understanding in our diverse learning community. We bring varied cultural perspectives, belief systems, and cognitive approaches, and we strive to maintain a culture of dialogue and openness where everyone can express their authentic selves. Our environment is one of empathy, active listening, and mutual respect, allowing us to constructively address challenges and embrace the opportunities diversity brings.

 

We are dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere that supports safety, trust, collaboration, and personal growth. In this nurturing community, everyone can excel academically, socially, and personally, seeing their identities reflected in daily learning experiences and feeling connected to peers.

 

Our commitments, inspired by contributions from our students, families, faculty, staff, board, and leadership, align with the International Baccalaureate Organization’s guidance on inclusive education:

• We encourage curiosity, understanding, and fellowship, recognizing the inherent value of all individuals and affirming our belief in the equal worth of every person.

• We celebrate the full range of human differences and stand firmly against discrimination, bias, and prejudice based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, health or disability status, appearance, and religious or political beliefs.

• We pledge to value and celebrate diversity within our school community.

• We view diversity and inclusion as essential to democratic ethics and dynamic 21st-century education, expanding knowledge and fostering new inquiry.

• We promote student agency, participation, and leadership, integrating student voices into shaping policies and culture for a more inclusive environment.

• We address bullying, prejudice, and discrimination through awareness and training, committing to fair and constructive practices for reconciliation.

• We are committed to enhancing our pastoral and teaching approaches to ensure a safe and welcoming learning environment for all.

• We aim to dismantle barriers to equity and opportunity, ensuring fair treatment and diverse representation among our employees and teams.