DEI Lenten Challenge

“After our first go-around of the DEI Lenten challenge in 2021, we wanted to expand our educational platform to the whole school, including the middle level,” explained Sophie Staugaitis ’23, one of the student organizers. “Teaching fellow students and teachers about ways to create a more inclusive and equitable space for all allows for the NDP community to embrace the intersectionality of everyone!" 

Each week during Lent, Diversity Council representatives, DEIA members, and other affinity group members led prayers and discussions in advisory centered on the elements of DEI and how greater understanding and a willingness to act can transform not only the NDP community but also the world. All prayers, materials, and discussion questions were student created, and conversations were planned to be age-appropriate for middle and high school students.

 

In tackling the topic of diversity in the media, for instance, students watched excerpts from Disney’s Encanto and discussed how race, ethnicity, abilities, and body image are represented. Middle and Upper Level students tackled inclusivity issues by addressing why people may feel excluded in a community and what individuals can do to include others. Discussions of justice revolved around barriers to justice and the importance of equity in the Middle Level, and the Upper Level focused on just relationships and how individuals can support one another.

 

“It has been great to see the enthusiasm from the students,” said Dr. Jessica Simmers, DEIA co-moderator. “They are so dedicated and passionate about DEI. They very much want to have these opportunities to discuss and learn.”