Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The Episcopal Academy strives to create a school environment where all people are valued and where all perspectives are respected and appreciated in every facet of our community life. Our Christian roots encourage us to teach our children the values of inclusion, equity, and justice and to model these attributes in all that we do. In this way, we are better equipped to shape young people into global citizens ready to apply their learning in thoughtful and relevant ways.

By approaching teaching, learning, and community building with a focus on diversity, we strengthen our ability to attract and retain a broad range of talented and engaged families and employees. We recognize that diversity includes everyone and has many dimensions, including, but not limited to: gender, geography, learning style, physical challenges, race, ethnicity, politics, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and diverse gifts and talents.

Our efforts toward inclusivity are rooted in our school motto, Esse Quam Videri (“To Be, Rather Than To Seem To Be”), as we aspire to be an authentically and consistently inclusive community. Our mission is to instill in each child a genuine sense of curiosity, kindness, and moral obligation toward others.

Featured DEI News

Diversity Summit Focuses on Leadership and Facilitating DEI Initiatives

Apr 26 2023

The event was held at the Friends Center in Center City Philadelphia and included students from independent schools throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Explore Diversity at EA

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Curriculum

Learning to understand a diverse range of perspectives is key to success and active civic participation in our diverse, globalized society. This is why Episcopal’s curriculum strives to encourage students and teachers to consider an ever-broader range of stories and experiences. Additionally, all faculty participate in professional development focused on inclusivity, cultural competence, antiracist practices, implicit biases, and more. View previous professional development sessions here.

Lower School: Students grasp DEI concepts through Stripes classes, Chapel, field trips, and mindfulness activities. Lower School students consistently receive diversity awareness, community building, and character development skills that are essential for creating an inclusive school.

Middle School: Through class projects, affinity groups, Chapel speakers, and division-wide programming, Middle School students are encouraged to explore their own implicit biases, examine the harmful effects of stereotypes, and develop their understanding of allyship. Additionally, new courses like Mind, Body, Spirit and African American History delve into DEI themes with greater depth.

Upper School: From learning about indigenous authors in American Literature to discovering how biases affect scientific discovery; DEI is present across subjects in the Upper School. Courses like Honors Identity & Culture in Modern American History go into even greater depth. Students also broaden their perspective and further their understanding of self and others through 9th Grade Seminar, clubs, and school-sponsored leadership trips.

Clubs

Middle School

Asian-American Student Union (AASU)

The AASU is a space for Asian American students to bring their authentic selves to conversations around culture, history, and current events. Through these discussions we work towards creating a strong sense of community at EA and beyond. Advisors: Linda Lew and Sophie Fu

Black Student Union (BSU)

The BSU is an open and safe environment for students to gather as a community to share their voice and opinions while discussing culture, history, and identity while also gaining racial awareness. Advisor: Jerome Bailey

Allyship in Action

Allyship in Action is a place for individuals to learn and discuss the importance of being an ally. Students practice interrupting bigotry and discover new ways to take action while talking about current events. This is a safe community and all are welcome! Advisor: Gina Tomkowich

Upper School

Asian-American Student Union (AASU)

The AASU is a space for our Asian American students to bring their authentic selves to conversations around culture, history, and current events. Through these discussions we work towards creating a strong sense of community at EA and beyond. Advisor: Grace Wingfield

Black Student Union (BSU)

The BSU is an open and safe environment for students to gather as a community to share their voice and opinions while discussing culture, history, and Identity while also gaining racial awareness. Advisor: Ayinde Tate and Tracy Motley

Diversity Awareness Club (DAC)

DAC provides a chance for students to discuss the variety of topics diversity presents to us. At this club, students are allowed to share their opinions of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and ability in a comfortable environment. Advisor: Sam Willis and Tanuja Murray

Queer/Straight Alliance

The mission of the Queer/Straight Alliance is to create a more safe and accepting community at Episcopal with regards to sexual orientation and gender expression. Through education, open discussions, and organized activities, Prism seeks to raise awareness and to address injustices faced by LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and beyond) people and their allies within the Episcopal community. Advisors: Dr. Sarah Wahlberg, Alex Jimenez

Hispanic Student Union (HSU)

The HSU fosters a support network for EA students of Latin American and Spanish heritage. We aim to unite, educate, and empower Hispanic students and to create a sense of cultural identity within the EA Hispanic community. Advisor: Erin Bilbao

Programming and Events

Student and Faculty Programs

The DEI Office offers programming for students and faculty throughout the academic year. Topics range from systemic racism to gender roles, algorithm bias, and more. Listening sessions and panel discussions allow community members to hear and learn from one another. View past faculty sessions here.

Conferences & Workshops

Students and faculty are invited to attend regional and national diversity conferences and workshops throughout the year:

NAIS People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)
Mid-Atlantic Regional Diversity Conference (MARD)
Young Men of Color Symposium
East Ed Upper School Student Diversity Leadership Conference
Middle School Diversity Conference (MSDC)
White Privilege Conference
Georgetown Day School Equity Collaborative

Chapel and Community Service

Our inclusive Chapel program welcomes students of every faith tradition. In Chapel, students hear from guest speakers of varying backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and perspectives. Services celebrate national observances like Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, and chaplains weave the themes of love, service, and respect into their sermons and programs. Check out a list of guest speakers from outside the EA community who addressed students about DEI-related topics.

Whether helping St. Marc’s School in Haiti or serving the local community through one of EA’s community partner organizations, students are encouraged to connect with and understand the needs of the people they serve, research and question the systemic cause of poverty, and examine how paternalism can damage the relationships with partner organizations.