We believe that an Inclusive Community embraces cultural agility, civic action, and a broad definition of human potential.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Statement
Seattle Academy nurtures empathetic connections between people with different life experiences. We are committed to recognizing and addressing the causes and effects of bias and discrimination, as well as the historic and ongoing relationship between privilege and power. We strive to see, hear, and value all members of the community and work to build a strong foundation for meaningful dialogue, informed advocacy, and effective action.
This Spring event brings SAAS families together to participate in student-led affinity sessions. Families and friends are invited to join sessions based on their identity to learn from US student affinity leaders. Food, music, dessert, and community-building all make this event a highlight of the year.
Board DEI Task Force
SPARRC
SPARRC (SAAS Parents/Guardians for Awareness, Race Relations and Community) is a strategic partnership with SAAS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department, the Family Association and Parent Education. SPARRC serves as a learning space for SAAS parents/guardians of all backgrounds and experiences to discuss matters of race and equity.
Faculty & Staff have the option to advise and support student affinity groups as each group navigates identity-based conversations, explores advocacy, and develops learning opportunities for the SAAS community. Adult & student affinity leaders gather for a summer leadership retreat to build leadership skills, plan affinity meetings for the year, and determine affinity cultural holidays and acknowledgments.
Faculty & Staff DEIB Committee
Through the Faculty & Staff DEB Committee, Faculty & Staff work together to discuss DEIB issues, brainstorm solutions, and advocate for change within the SAAS community.
Faculty & Staff Professional Development
Faculty & Staff partake in mandatory bi-annual DEIB professional development to equip them with the necessary skills and awareness to work with our diverse student and adult population. These professional development opportunities are organized and led by the DEIB team in partnership with the Director of Teaching and Learning and the Deans of Academics and Differentiated Curriculum. Other DEIB professional development opportunities are offered throughout the year, including the annual NAIS People of Color Conference.
Student Affinity Groups:SAAS offers multiple affinity groups for Middle and Upper School students. Our student affinity groups meet every other week during community time with faculty advisors present to help facilitate.
An affinity group is a group of people with common backgrounds, identities and experiences that come together to connect and support each other. The most common type of affinity group is one based on race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity where those that identify as that group can meet to share experiences, issues, and culture that is specific to their identity. Affinity groups are not a place to go and learn about someone else's identity or culture but are for individuals who identify as members of the group and can speak to the experience of being a member of the group from the “I” perspective.
In the Middle School, affinity groups are led by Faculty & Staff affinity advisors, with student leadership opportunities available throughout the year.
In the Upper School, students apply and interview for affinity leadership positions. Upper School student affinity leaders organize meetings, events, displays, assemblies, and more with the support of Faculty & Staff affinity advisors.
The goals of the Affinity Group Program include:
Creating a sense of community and belonging among members of the group
Developing leadership ability and an understanding of its importance
Building a sense of self-worth, possibility, and confidence in SAAS Students
Assisting SAAS Students as they build their social, racial, and cultural identities
Promoting a sense of belonging and a long-term attachment to SAAS
SAAS Affinity groups: Black Student Union (BSU), Alianza Latina, Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), Middle Eastern, Desi, Indigenous, Multiracial, Jewish Student Union (JSU), Queer Student Union (QSU), Student Alliance of Neurodiversity & Disability, Muslim Student Union (MSU), and Christian Believers. DEIB Assemblies
The DEIB office plans and supports various DEIB assemblies dedicated to social justice education within our community. These assemblies are developed and led by the DEIB team and student affinity leaders.
Annual all-school MLK assembly
Monthly Heritage Month assemblies led by affinity group leaders
All-Middle School DEIB Assembly
All-Upper School DEIB Assembly
Student Leadership Development
Throughout the academic year, the DEIB Team offers various opportunities for students to attend DEIB-centered conferences and retreats. These opportunities support the development of students’ leadership skills, advocacy, and cultural awareness. Some opportunities have included: the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, the Student Diversity Leadership Retreat, Gathering Our Voices, and the Black Girls Empowerment Retreat.
Seattle Academy POCC/SDLC 2023 Takeaways
DEIB Learning
Upper School Educational Forums
Educational forums provide Upper School students with opportunities to engage with and learn about complex, current issues. Led by Upper School Faculty and the DEIB team, educational forums challenge students to see the nuance and bigger picture of current socio-political realities. Rooted in our SAAS values, these sessions teach students “how to think” not “what to think.”
Middle School: DEIB Advisory lessons
Throughout Middle School, students engage in DEIB learning through age-appropriate, grade-level DEIB lessons. These lessons are led by the Director of Equity & Inclusion and center on identity development, community-building, respect, and cultural awareness.
SAAS Heritage Months
The DEIB team takes the lead in communicating information for each heritage month, including decorating the halls and creating displays. These heritage months are based on the Official US State Department Heritage Month Calendar. Additionally, the team annually researches and updates the calendar based on community needs, requests, and dialogue.
Students are encouraged to report any and all instances of discrimination, threat, racism, xenophobia, harm, etc. via this form.
A team of administrators, including members of the DEIB team, receive these reports immediately and work together to respond and intervene in an effective, timely, and restorative manner.
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish Tribe, past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.
