Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As a Presentation community, we are firmly committed to standing in solidarity with communities who are marginalized, especially the Black community, and persevere against racism and any other system of oppression which go against our values rooted in justice, love and mercy. We recognize our position of privilege as a Catholic, college preparatory school, and want to share our ongoing plans and resources with you, our Pres family, in addressing racism and areas where there is inequity.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

As an all-girls Catholic high school founded on the principles and values of foundress, Nano Nagle and the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

We believe that all persons have inherent dignity and are made in the image and likeness of God.
We are committed to an inclusive community which promotes respect, loving dialogue, equity, empathy, humility, courage, understanding, and societal awareness, both locally and globally.
We believe that diversity is a blessing that refers to the myriad of personal experiences, values, perspectives, talents, and worldviews that arise from differences in culture and circumstance.
We are committed to creating a diverse learning environment where each student may reflect on their own identity, experiences, talents, and abilities to lead and serve others in a way that is rooted in radical faith, compassion, justice and love.

All members of the Presentation community are responsible for advancing an understanding of and a respect for diversity as it includes, but is not limited to: ability, age, belief, ethnicity, family structure, gender, gender identity, learning style, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

DEI Terms & Definitions

Commitment to Diversity

The concept of diversity embraces the wide range of human characteristics used to mark or identify individual and group identities. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, ability, age, belief, ethnicity, family structure, gender, gender identity, learning style, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

Diversity is a term used as shorthand for visible and quantifiable statuses, but diversity of thought and ways of knowing, being, and doing are also understood as natural, valued, and desired states, the presence of which benefit organizations, workplaces, and society. (NAIS AIM Survey Definition)

We commit to ongoing review of our policies and practices to respect and honor the commonalities and differences within a community in line with the school’s mission, vision, and diversity statement.

Commitment to Equity

Equity reflects the assurance that students have what they need to serve as an active member of the community and reach their full potential. It ensures that essential educational programs, services, activities, and technologies are accessible to all. Equitable treatment involves eliminating barriers that prevent the full participation of all individuals.

Equity is not equality; it is the expression of justice, ethics, multi-partiality, and the absence of discrimination. (NAIS AIM Survey Definition)

We commit to an ongoing review of our policies and practices to guard against unfair treatment of all community members and ensure the opportunity to thrive regardless of starting positions in life.

Commitment to Inclusion

Inclusion means encompassing all and taking every individual’s experience and identity into account, creating conditions where all feel accepted, safe, empowered, supported, and affirmed. Through increasing degrees of inclusivity, a sense of belonging and welcome is cultivated and nurtured, while giving all an equal voice. (NAIS AIM Survey Definition)

We commit to ongoing review of our policies and practices to ensure that all stakeholders are heard and represented, and that we emphasize cross-cultural competency in and outside of the classroom, which includes interaction and attitudes around how we engage with others.

Student Experience

Advisory

Affinity Groups

Our affinity groups provide a space for education, exploration of identity, celebration, and dialogue in a shared community for that specific affinity. Membership is for individuals who identify as members of the group and/or people who support and stand in solidarity with that group. We are proud of our following affinity groups, led by faculty moderators and student leaders:

Asian & Pacific Islander Student Union (APISU)
Black Student Union (BSU)
Desi Student Association
Folklórico
LatinX
LGBTQ+ & Allies
Spanish-Speaking Parent Affinity Group: Familias Unidas (led by Spanish Liaison, Heidi Contreras)

Community Celebrations

Cultural Celebrations: Dîa de Los Muertos, Diwali, Kwanzaa
Liturgical Celebrations: Black History Month Prayer Service, Catholic Schools Week & the Feast of Santo Niño, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, May Day
Multicultural Week: During our annual Multicultural Week, Presentation celebrates its diverse cultures and identities which together, strengthen our community. Our affinity groups, along with individual student leaders prepare snacks and meals for purchase at the Multicultural Food Fair, and educational activities take place throughout the week. Usually taking place in March, our Desi Student Association (DSA) leads a joyous Holi on our front lawn, with colored powder for all! And, the celebratory week concludes with our Multicultural Rally, where all in the community have the opportunity to learn and engage in the cultural traditions of our students.

VOICES

VOICES serves as a space for students to gather and share fresh ideas on their Presentation experience. Placing student experience and wellness at the forefront of decision-making, these student forum meetings take place quarterly and are led by members of our Student Council members serving on the DEI Student Committee. In attendance are representatives from our Affinity Group student leadership team as well, and all meetings are open to any Presentation student.

Academics and Curriculum in the Classroom

Classes

Ethnic Studies Academy

Guest Speakers

Community Development

Partnerships

Professional Development

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Faculty continue their ongoing work with developing cycles of inquiry based on learnings from Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain.
Lunch & Learns: Past topics include “Gender and the Catholic Church” and “Abortion and the Catholic Church”
Universal Design Learning - All Faculty attended professional development training on universal design learning from CAST.
Past faculty/staff trainings include anti-bias training, restorative justice, and monthly SEED gatherings.

One School, One Book Program

Every summer, all members of the Presentation community (students, parents/guardians, faculty/staff, and Board members) are invited to read a selected text that has been chosen by the summer reading committee, composed of students and faculty/staff. The selection criteria for the book includes ensuring alignment with our Presentation mission and Catholic identity, representation, and call to action, usually in the area of social justice. Past summer reading books have included The Hate U Give and The Best We Could Do. We will be announcing the summer reading book for Summer 2024 very soon. Stay tuned!

At Presentation High School, we continue to make steps towards long-term systemic change, to ensure an inclusive community where every member feels heard, valued, and welcome.

As a Catholic community, we believe that all persons have inherent dignity and are made in the image and likeness of God. Perhaps one of our students said it best, “It’s not enough to think racism is wrong, to make meaningful change you must be anti-racist.” We are called by our mission to be anti-racist and commit to the ongoing reflection, education, and dialogue needed to ensure our actions are long-term and sustainable. We need you, our community, to join us and we will continue to provide opportunities for you to engage as we move forward.

Contact Us

Rita Jajjo
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
rjajjo@presentationhs.org

2022-2023 DEI Action Plan

DEI Communication Archives

DEI RESOURCES

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