24/7 Community
Community & Equity
The Office of Community & 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 below about the Office of Community & Equity'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, demonstrate empathy and respect, lead with humility and kindness, and approach the world with curiosity and an open mind that values diverse perspectives. Strong community and a sense of equity are central to achieving this mission because they are at once instructive and liberating, enabling students to thrive alongside one another while growing into their best selves.
The Office of Community & Equity supports the School's mission by nurturing a vibrant, diverse learning environment premised on the dignity and respect made possible through mutual appreciation and self-discovery.
Whether working closely with individual students or across programming initiatives, the Office endeavors to weave understanding, appreciation, and the bridging of differences into everything Episcopal does in order to promote a culture of belonging for everyone. We believe that upon that foundation--and endowed with the skills required for its creation--students are better prepared “to pursue lives of ethical leadership and service as citizens of an increasingly connected world.”
The Office of Community & Equity supports the School's mission by nurturing a vibrant, diverse learning environment premised on the dignity and respect made possible through mutual appreciation and self-discovery.
Whether working closely with individual students or across programming initiatives, the Office endeavors to weave understanding, appreciation, and the bridging of differences into everything Episcopal does in order to promote a culture of belonging for everyone. We believe that upon that foundation--and endowed with the skills required for its creation--students are better prepared “to pursue lives of ethical leadership and service as citizens of an increasingly connected world.”
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Affinity Spaces
The term “affinity space” describes a space that is set aside for people who share an important aspect of their social, ethnic, or cultural identity. At Episcopal, we currently set aside spaces based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, international status, and the experience of having lost a family member.
Affinity Spaces at Episcopal are facilitated by adults in order to allow students of shared identity to gather, talk in a safe space about issues related to that identity, and transfer that discussion into action that makes for a more equitable experience for everyone at school. Our facilitators focus each individual space around three principles — rejuvenation, affirmation, and self-love — with the overarching objective that students develop and retain the confidence to bring their complete selves into full participation and sharing in Episcopal’s culture more broadly. -
Alliance of Asian Cultures & Experiences (AACE)
The Alliance of Asian Cultures & Experiences (AACE) seeks to educate the EHS community and explore different viewpoints in order to broaden the collective horizon. Its mission is to raise awareness on what it means to be part of the Asian community, to develop an understanding of Asian cultures and traditions, to create a safe environment where all voices are heard and welcomed, and to respect, acknowledge and celebrate differences. -
Black Student Alliance (BSA)
Black Student Alliance (BSA) is a student-led organization 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, we aim to make Episcopal an inclusive and open space for Black students. A focus of the group is educating the our school community on the vast aspects of African American culture through authentic experiences, both on campus and off, and highlighting the significance of being a Black student and leader at Episcopal in support of helping shape the experience of Black students at the School. -
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. -
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
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. -
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. -
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.
The annual full-day symposium aims to bring together a variety of voices and perspectives to move all of us to work toward true justice in our community and the larger global community. Keynote speakers have included author and public theologian Esau McCaulley, poet and author Elizabeth Acevedo, and free speech advocate Zachary Wood.
