The Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) is an organization of private schools in the northeast United States. The AISNE provides resources to its member schools, including curriculum recommendations and guidelines on adhering to the group’s left-progressive ideology. 1
The AISNE is a member organization with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) – the largest network of private schools in the United States. NAIS has more than 1,600 member schools which enroll a total of nearly 700,000 students. 2
Critical Race Theory
In February 2022, the right-of-center law publication Legal Insurrection announced the launch of an investigation into the National Association of Independent Schools and its member organizations which include the Association of Independent Schools in New England. Led by journalist and former teacher Paul Rossi, the investigation centers on the apparent promotion of left-progressive race and gender ideology within NAIS. Legal Insurrection highlighted statements by leading left-progressive activists affiliated with NAIS, as well as curriculum changes which the association expects its member organizations to implement. 3
NAIS has hosted Bettina Love, the co-founder of the radical-left Abolitionist Teaching Network, as a keynote speaker at its “People of Color Conference.” Love’s organization claims that school disciplinary measures are a form of “spirit murder” of minority children. The association has also promoted the writings of radical-left ideologue Ibram X. Kendi, who claims that race-neutral policies are inherently discriminatory. To suppress opposition to its policies and curriculum recommendations, NAIS has recommended that its member schools bar parents from involvement in their school communities and even expel their children. Legal Insurrection also alleged that the association has also recommended that school administrators treat dissenting parents and community members as if they are mentally ill. 4
Leadership
Sarah Pelmas is the president of the board of Association of Independent Schools in New England. She is the headmaster of a private school in Boston, Massachusetts. Pelmas previously held a leadership position at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. 5
Gretchen Larkin is the vice president of the board of AISNE. According to the organization, one of her initiatives is accelerating demographic change within student bodies and among school faculty. 6
Financials
In 2020, the Association of Independent Schools in New England received more than $1.5 million in revenue. Nearly 60 percent came from grants and donations, while the remainder came from program service fees. 7
References
- “About.” Association of Independent Schools in New England. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://aisne.org/about/
- “About NAIS.” National Association of Independent Schools. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://www.nais.org/about/about-nais/
- Paul Rossi. “Project Launch: Unmasking National Association of Independent Schools.” Legal Insurrection. February 9, 2022. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://legalinsurrection.com/2022/02/project-launch-unmasking-national-association-of-independent-schools/
- Paul Rossi. “Project Launch: Unmasking National Association of Independent Schools.” Legal Insurrection. February 9, 2022. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://legalinsurrection.com/2022/02/project-launch-unmasking-national-association-of-independent-schools/
- “Learn About Our Board.” Association of Independent Schools in New England. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://aisne.org/about/board/
- “Learn About Our Board.” Association of Independent Schools in New England. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://aisne.org/about/board/
- Association of Independent Schools in New England, Return of an Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990), 2019. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/42453377