FINAL INSTALLMENT OF 2024-25 DIVERSITY SYMPOSIUM EDUCATES AND ENTERTAINS

On Tuesday, April 22, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) held the final installment of this school year’s Diversity Symposium, an ongoing series of events that occurs throughout the year with the goal of promoting acceptance and awareness of all forms of diversity within our community and our world.

The sixth graders were enthralled as they learned about Native American culture from the Ho-Chunk Nation’s champion pow-wow dancer Reg Pettibone and his wife, Marca, who is from the Paiute Nation. Students danced, listened to stories, and created a traditional Native American bracelet with beading.

Meanwhile, seventh graders continued exploring the theme of empathy by playing a game that allowed them to step into the shoes of people with various identities and backgrounds. As they progressed along the game board, they engaged in a lively discussion about the various social advantages and disadvantages they encountered along the way.

For the third year in a row, students in grades 8–12 were attentive and enthusiastic audience members as many of their peers participated in the Affinity Group Showcase.

• The Muslim Student Association (MSA) shared about the importance of the Quran to Islam and read a passage from the Quran aloud in Arabic while projecting the English translation.
• The Hispanic and Latinx Organization (HALO) showed a video inspired by Bad Bunny that depicted members explaining what they value about their cultural identities.
• The Jewish Student Community (JSC) presented “A Jewish Year in the Life” which highlighted holidays such as Yom Kippur and Purim.
• The Black Student Affinity Alliance (BSAA) provided historical background on the Divine Nine African American sororities and fraternities and taught audience members a few moves of step choreography.
• The Multicultural Affinity Program (MAP) shared two skits to raise awareness about microaggressions in relation to people who are biracial or multiracial.
• Arab American Affinity (AAA) put on a cultural fashion show with music and traditional clothing reflecting their heritages.
• The East Asian / Pacific American Community (EAPAC) presented on East Asian games and had audience members compete to win a prize.
• The Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) held Drag Queen Story Hour in order to raise awareness about how to support transgender people.
• The South Asian Affinity Network (SAAN) shared facts about South Asian culture and performed bhangra, a popular form of Indian dance.

“We [ODEI] are so proud of all of our students for coming together to create meaningful experiences that reflect the school’s mission and values around diversity,” said Nadine Hall, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.