Diversity Team Unveils Plans for the Academic Year

It was an afternoon of firsts for newly appointed Interim Associate Head for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roland Davis and Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Selas Douglas who introduced a new DEI-focused orientation to the upper school community on Friday, September 10.


Davis explained their inaugural plan is “to provide formal and informal programs for students, parents, faculty and staff that will bring folks together in our shared efforts to learn about and from one another, and to build community.” 

Upper school students and faculty gathered in the Fonseca Center to hear Davis' and Douglas’ opening remarks and announce this year’s DEI team: Program Coordinator Kaity Liao, Middle School Coordinator Brittany Farrar, Upper School Coordinator Eric Shear, Task Force Chair Esperanza Borrero, and Dean of Global Studies Rob Fish.

“Having a team that is integrated into almost every aspect of the school community also means that we have an opportunity to be more visible, which we hope translates into new ways to approach collaboration,” added Douglas.

The groups, led by both faculty and student facilitators, got right to work during the DEI-training activities, consisting of  “Inclusivity,” “A Walk in the Park” and “Four Corners.” 

“I was particularly struck by the power of standing in the first exercise which enabled us to see and feel the common threads of human experience,” said Lee Dieck, professional development coordinator. “And I loved that the other activities were student-designed and student-led."

Senior class co-president Annie Fabian ’22, who helped organize the student facilitators, is looking forward to the collaborative work ahead. “I’d love to hear more voices than just student leaders and diversity ambassadors and have a continuous dialogue between the student body and administration.” 

Davis reflected on a moment during the inclusivity exercise that resonated with him: “It was a beautiful illustration that we are not alone in our experiences and that each of us holds an untold story.”

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