Relationship Building: Upper Campus Inclusion Network Student Social Recap

Apr 6, 2022 | Blog, Build People Up, courage over comfort, IDEA, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Impact, Middle School News, Upper School News

Contributed by Chief of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Action Stacey Lee

On Wednesday, March 23, the School hosted an Upper Campus Inclusion Network event for our BIPOC Affinity Group. Both Middle and Upper School students joined together for morning fellowship and connection over donuts.

Upper School students gave advice to the younger Mustangs about how to be advocates for yourself at Mount Vernon, especially when navigating issues connected to their identity. Then, they broke into small groups and brainstormed how the School might create a more supportive environment for BIPOC students.

From these discussions, they suggested – among other things – more course offerings centering around BIPOC voices and continued work with students on how to dialogue across differences and investigate curiosity using appropriate language. The students also shared ideas for fun social gatherings to continue building these relationships.Β 

Many thanks to the Upper Campus IDEA Coordinators Ms. Pamela Villafane (Upper) and Dr. Chaundra Suddith (Middle), and Upper School faculty Ms. Paige McIntosh and Mr. Marco Vahoua for support and facilitation during the event.Β 

This breakfast social comes on the heels of the School launching its Inclusion Network in the fall with itsΒ first Affinity Group social. If you identify as a member of the BIPOC community and would like to be connected to future events, please contact Director of Community Impact Hunter Pierce atΒ [email protected].Β