DEIB Through Student Voices: Initiatives, Experiences, Ideas, and Eye-Openers at the Schools of the Future Conference

Last week, our students took the lead in a thought-provoking discussion on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at the Schools of the Future event. The session featured students from the DEIB, Gender Sexuality Alliance, and Black Design Clubs.

Charlize G.’24, Dariyn K.’24, Peyton B,’25, Leilani M.H.’26, Emily L.’25, and Grace H.’27 shared their origin stories, experiences, and visions for this academic year and beyond. The partnership emerged from intersections of identity and belonging, highlighting the need for student voices to lead conversations and make schools more welcoming and accepting.

Students discussed their achievements and tackled more complex, “long-game” initiatives, providing insights into their journeys. The student panel facilitated group discussions, encouraging participants to share ideas, issues, and initiatives from their school experiences. The session concluded with action plans addressing current DEIB issues, followed by a Q&A session that allowed direct engagement with the student panel.

This event, spearheaded by our students and supported by Kara Hisatake and Eileen Keane, showcased our community actively shaping the narrative around DEIB, fostering a sense of community, understanding, and collaboration within our school.