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Community & Equity

The Office of Community and Equity supports Episcopal High School’s goal of fostering “empathy and responsibility for self and others” among its students and creating an equal and welcoming environment in which the “sharing [of] diverse life experiences, ideas, and values” becomes the foundation of the Episcopal High School community. By raising the consciousness of diversity issues in every aspect of the community, Episcopal students will draw closer to the School’s goal of becoming “discerning individuals with the intellectual and moral courage to lead principled lives of leadership and service to others.” Read more about the Office of Equity & Inclusion's mission and history.

Episcopal’s mission is to prepare young people with the intellectual and moral courage to act with integrity and honor, stand up for what is right, embody empathy and respect, walk with humility and kindness, and approach the world with curiosity and an open mind that values diverse perspectives.

To achieve this mission, Episcopal believes community and equity are central to ensuring that all individuals are able to thrive and become their best selves. The Office of Community & Equity supports and nurtures a vibrant and diverse learning environment that affords every individual their dignity and respect through mutual appreciation.

By fostering empathy and kindness that help us understand, appreciate, and bridge our differences, the Office strives to promote a culture of equity and inclusion in which all individuals accept and engage with diverse perspectives on challenging topics that provide opportunity for personal growth while strengthening the community. Only then, can the school honor its commitment to develop “ethical leadership for an increasingly connected world.”

List of 8 items.

  • Affinity Groups

    Affinity groups at Episcopal facilitate positive identity exploration, self-awareness, and pride. They provide students the opportunity to develop their own voice regarding their identity in a respectful and safe space. As the NAIS states, an affinity group comprises “participants who engage in conversations that matter within a space defined and protected by and for those who share race and ethnicity in common. Affinity group space derives its meaning, integrity, and transformative power from participation by same-group members.” Episcopal offers the following affinity groups: LGBTQ+, African-American / Black Female, African-American / Black Male, Latin@, International Asian, and Asian American.
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  • Asian Awareness Association

    The mission of the Asian Awareness Association (AAA) is to raise awareness on Asian cultures, as well as bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures. It welcomes members of all nationalities. AAA hosts events exploring the fascinating cultural diversity in Asia to increase understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures throughout the academic year.
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  • Black Student Alliance

    Black Student Alliance (BSA) is dedicated to celebrating and spreading awareness of the rich culture of the African Diaspora at Episcopal High School by initiating conversation among students, hosting organized events, and showcasing our culture. As a unit, we will educate our school community on the vast aspects of African-American culture and the significance of being a Black student at Episcopal. We aim to mold our members into leaders to help shape the experience of Black students at Episcopal. Furthermore, we are dedicated to introducing authentic cultural experiences to our school community.
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  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee (DEIC)

    The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee (DEIC) meets regularly to discuss, plan, and implement programs related to diversity on Episcopal’s campus. Made up of 10 to 12 faculty members, the committee aims to support the School’s goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all students.
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  • Gender and Sexuality Alliance

    The Episcopal High School Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) provides a safe forum for discussion and reflection on issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. Our mission is to work toward a more accepting environment for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, through education, support, social action, and advocacy.
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  • Mi Gente

    We, Mi Gente, strive to reach out and interactively raise awareness by facilitating events which highlight our culture, creating a more collaborative and inclusive Episcopal High School community.
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  • Spectrum

    Spectrum is a group of dedicated students who educate the EHS community and explore different viewpoints in order to broaden the collective horizon. The group strives to acknowledge and celebrate individuality. By embracing a wide range of perspectives, Episcopal finds strength in its differences. Spectrum values the radiance of each individual’s unique qualities and characteristics that collectively shine as one beautiful spectrum.

    Goals:
    • To raise awareness of diversity within and beyond the Episcopal community
    • To develop working relationships with our own community and with other schools
    • To create a safe environment where all voices are heard and welcomed
    • To respect our School's diversity and acknowledge and celebrates differences
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  • Student Diversity Leadership Conference Cohort

    Episcopal High School is committed to sending students and faculty to the National Association for Independent School’s (NAIS's) annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and People of Color Conference (PoCC). This event addresses two important needs: the need for people of color to come together for networking and support, and the need for schools to find ways to build and sustain inclusive communities. Both SDLC and PoCC serve as energizing, revitalizing gatherings for people who experience independent schools differently. Episcopal hopes that each cohort of students and faculty who attend SDLC/PoCC will return to our community to implement new programs and activities to better our school.
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Meet Our Office

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Joel Sohn

    Joel Sohn 

    Director: Office of Community and Equity, Teacher
    703-933-4088
  • Photo of Molly Pugh

    Molly Pugh 

    English Department Chair; Program Coordinator, Office of Community and Equity; Teacher
    4157
  • Photo of Evan Solís

    Evan Solís 

    Teacher - Spanish; Program Assistant, Office of Community and Equity
    4069

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1200 North Quaker Lane
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
703-933-3000