The Paideia Institute’s mission is to inspire everyone to love the ancient world. We strive to create learning environments where all students can feel welcome and comfortable, regardless of their sex, age, race, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual orientation or identity, gender expression, political affiliation, ability/disability or any other aspect of their identity. We welcome diverse perspectives on the ancient world and reject and condemn approaches to the study of Greece and Rome based on racist or narrowly conceived notions of western civilization.
In 2019 the Paideia Institute was publicly criticized by a group of staff and alumni for failing to provide a safe and inclusive environment, particularly for women, LBGTQ students, and students of color. Providing such an environment has always been our goal, and we regret that we failed to do so for these valued members of our community. We have done our best to listen to criticism and respond by improving our policies and procedures and taking other actions to foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment in our programs and offices. In November 2020, Jason Pedicone, the Institute's co-founder and president, issued a statement and apology outlining the Institute’s ongoing efforts to improve in these areas.
The Paideia Institute believes that the study of the ancient world is most enlightening and rewarding when practiced by a community of learners who approach the classics from diverse perspectives. We are committed to building a learning community that comprises a diverse array of perspectives and identities, from our board and executive leadership to our teachers and students.
The Institute also runs several programs and curricular initiatives designed to expand access to the study of Latin and Greek. For more information about our work in this area, please visit our web pages devoted to the Aequora program and the Paideia Institute Greece and Rome Prizes.