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Equity and Inclusion - High School
Burke Life
Equity & Inclusion
Our Programs
Founded in 1968, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Burke was racially integrated, co-educational, and secular from its first day – even eschewing rules as to students' hair and dress. In the 21st century, we are responsible both to our school's founding vision and to its evolution. Schools, like all institutions, are not immune to the prejudices and biases that infuse our nation. An inclusive, welcoming school community is an ongoing project – and how we foster it will change and develop over time.
By design, Burke brings together students (and adults) "who are different from one another in many ways." Our Equity & Inclusion Department takes a comprehensive view of the school experience, from reviewing policies to assisting with new curriculum, to ensure that students from myriad backgrounds and identities are able to thrive here – academically, extracurricularly, socially.
Here are some ways that work looks in practice:
By design, Burke brings together students (and adults) "who are different from one another in many ways." Our Equity & Inclusion Department takes a comprehensive view of the school experience, from reviewing policies to assisting with new curriculum, to ensure that students from myriad backgrounds and identities are able to thrive here – academically, extracurricularly, socially.
Here are some ways that work looks in practice:
List of 7 items.
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Affinity Spaces
"Affinity groups help create a “brave space” in which people can explore issues of shared identities and experiences; they can affirm their emotional and intellectual responses to being part of a distinct subset of the larger school community." - Ashley Greene, The Churchill School and Center in New York CityAnti-Racist Group of White StudentsAsian Student AssociationBlack Girls MeetBlack Student Union (BSU)Boys Leading BoysFaith in FocusFeminist Cooperative (FemCo)FusionLatine/Hispanic Student Union (LHSU)Jewish Affinity Group (JAG)Middle School Students of ColorRainbow UmbrellaYoung Black Men -
Annual Conferences
In recent years, students and faculty have attended:- Belonging in Gender and Sexual Identity (BGSI)
- Diversity in the DMV
- Georgetown Day School Sexual Assault and Consent Summit
- GLEAN (Girls Leadership, Empowerment, and Networking) Conference
- Independent School Gender and Sexuality Awareness Summit
- NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference
- St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Middle School Diversity Conference
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Anti-Racist Classrooms
In Fall 2022, all faculty and staff participated in a training with The Wells Collective, led by Dr. Shari Berga and Akailah McIntyre. They were guided through personal reflections around their own identities, the ways systems of oppression manifest in school culture, and given tools to make equitable choices within the classroom. Our Board of Trustees participated in a similar training in February, also with The Wells Collective. -
Athletics Training
In partnership with our Athletic Department, Sharielle A. (Equity, Inclusion & Civic Engagement) created and facilitated a training with Burke's coaches that covered characteristics of an equitable team, stereotypes, and discrimination in sports.
This training will occur at the start of every trimester, and all coaches are required to attend. -
Department Leadership
Sharielle Applewhite, MSWDirector of Equity, Inclusion, and Civic EngagementUniversity of Connecticut - B.A.
Hunter College - M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)202-362-8882 x657 -
Gender and Sexuality Series
Past Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Matison H. D. '14 (English) developed the "Gender and Sexuality Series," a presentation that explores gender identity and expression, inclusive language, and social activism through an intersectional framework. Matison delivered the presentation during grade meetings in 2022-23 and held follow-up discussions in advisory and homeroom. -
Task Forces
Reaching Equity and Change Taskforce (REACT)A collective of high school students that works to combat "identity based discrimination in the school community through discussions and behind-the scene advocacy work"
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Affinity at Assembly
On September 20, student leaders and advisors talked about the mission and goals for each affinity group in the year to come. Groups start meeting in early October on two different schedules, and students are welcome to join more than one.Read More -
Assembling for Activism
On May 31, Burke hosted Rachel Klein from the Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism at assembly, where she spoke about the history of anti-semitism and anti-semitic stereotypes in American society and media – and how students can better identify and speak out against them in daily life. Founded more than sixty years ago, the RAC seeks to "educate, inspire, and mobilize the Reform Jewish Movement to advocate for social justice."Read More -
Student Spotlight: Cary T. T. '25
Earlier this year, all 10th graders researched and crafted "Project Soapbox" speeches, with four Burke students moving on to the DC citywide competition. Cary T. T. '25 was named one of the top 10 speakers at Soapbox DC in December, and was then selected to attend Soapbox Nation, "the next level opportunity for students from across the country."Read More -
Grace Mann '12 Speaker Series
On Wednesday, May 17, Burke welcomed Liz Kleinrock for the annual Grace Mann '12 Speaker Series. Honoring the memory of a Burke alum who was passionate about social justice and advocacy, the speaker series reflects those same passions. At Wednesday's assembly, Liz took questions from a panel of student affinity group leaders, discussing identity, student activism, and how to foster inclusive environments.Read More -
Affinity & Department Spotlights
Affinity SpotlightRead More
In early May, numerous affinity groups celebrated their final meetings with seniors, including the Latine / Hispanic Student Union (LHSU) – whose seniors requested a going-away dance party, paired with Peruvian alfajores, thanks to affinity leader Maite B. G. '24. Special shout-out to beloved seniors Julia V. B. '23, Sam S. '23, and Valentina C. '23, who couldn't attend the celebration due to AP testing. -
From History to Today
For the first time since 2019, the 8th grade traveled to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama, for a four-day immersion in the Civil Rights Movement in the American South. On the first day, students and teachers visited the 16th St. Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and Bethel Baptist Church, before meeting with Civil Rights speakers Dr. Martha Bouyer and Dr. Carolyn McKinstry, who survived the 1963 bombing.Read More -
On Food Justice
Throughout the school year, the 9th grade explores food justice in the DC region, including through direct service with longtime partner Capital Area Food Bank – where 9th graders spent a full day on the Wednesday or Friday before break.Read More -
Lift Every Voice and Sing
On Thursday, February 16, students from Black Student Union, Black Girls Meet, and Young Black Men mounted the annual Black History Month assembly, with a specific focus on DC's Black culture and historical figures with roots in the District.Read More -
Affinity Group Spotlights: Part 3
Burke's 2022-23 affinity groups meet on four different rotations, enabling students to participate in up to four different groups at a time. In January, several groups looked beyond campus and raised funds for DC-based organizations serving the community.Read More -
Commitments to Change
From November 30 to December 2, a delegation of four Burke students attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in San Antonio, TX: Izzy M. '26, Rose D. '25, Sophia H. '25, and Chloe R. '23.Read More -
On Their Soapboxes
Just before Winter Break, the 10th grade concluded Project Soapbox, a central unit of their grade’s civic engagement curriculum and a program of Mikva Challenge DC.Read More -
Affinity Group Spotlights: Part 2
Burke's 2022-23 affinity groups meet on four different rotations, enabling students to participate in up to four different groups at a time.Read More -
Affinity Group Spotlights: Part 1
Burke's 2022-23 affinity groups meet on four different rotations, enabling students to participate in up to four different groups at a time.Read More
Here are a couple updates from this past week's meetings: -
Day of Service
Students from our Black Student Union, Black Girls Meet, and Young Black Men affinity groups recently joined together and partnered with Be Great DC to kick off Black History Month.Read More
On Saturday, January 30, students, parents, faculty, and staff all met in the Atrium and assembled toiletry kits to be donated to local shelters. -
Anti-Oppressive Education
Last month, Teachers College Press (Columbia University) released Anti-Oppressive Education in "Elite" Schools: Promising Practices and Cautionary Tales From the Field, edited by Katy Swalwell and Daniel Spikes.Read More -
On Our Soapboxes
Earlier this month, the 10th grade participated in their first Leadership & Civic Engagement Retreat, centered on "Project Soapbox," a public speaking program that invites young people to speak on issues that affect them and their communities.Read More -
Task Force Report: Consent Education
Read MoreAs we start the school year, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for all of the faculty, staff, students, and trustees who served on the Task Force on Sexual Misconduct this past summer. This Task Force formed last spring to review our education and policies around sexual misconduct and to develop proposals that further a safe, supportive campus environment for all students.This robust and committed group focused on the following areas:- Reviewing and enhancing training on sexual misconduct and sexual assault for all faculty, staff, and students
- Reviewing and developing curricula on consent education for all students
- Ensuring clarity for procedures and communications around allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault
As part of our planning, we will be:- Scheduling new outside speakers and organizations to provide training for students, faculty, and staff on sexual assault, bystander interventions, and consent
- Implementing curricula on consent that is grounded in community building and respecting the dignity of others
- Discussing our revised Anti-Harassment Policy and the reporting, investigation, and follow-up processes in-depth with students
As we advance this critical work, we will continue to listen to students' needs and interests in making Burke a safer and supportive school environment for all students. We will strive towards fostering a school culture that encourages all of our students, faculty, and staff to take an active role in confronting sexual misconduct and harassment with the resources, services, and support that is needed. -
2020-21 Racial Justice Discussion Groups
Our Equity & Inclusion Task Force launched Burke's 2020-21 Racial Justice Discussion Group (RJDG) program during yesterday's 10 AM Community period.Read More
Leadership & Equity Coordinators
List of 3 members.
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Sharielle Applewhite
Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Civic EngagementUniversity of Connecticut - B.A.
Hunter College - M.S.W. -
Kamilah Souvenir
Senior Coordinator of Equity, Inclusion, and Civic EngagementAmerican University - M.Ed
Arizona State University - B.A.
Arizona State University - B.A. -
Jadéa Asante
Assistant Director of Communications / Yearbook / Coordinator for Equity, Inclusion, and Civic EngagementSeton Hall University - B.A.
List of 2 items.
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Civic Engagement Programs
Every year, students experience an integrated civics, equity, and leadership curriculum, in partnership with nonprofit organizations. For example:- High School - 10th graders delve into Action Civics, completing the Soapbox Project with Mikva Challenge DC
- Middle School - 8th graders study the American Civil Rights Movement, leading up to a week-long trip to Alabama in the spring
> Learn more here. -
Tuition & Financial Aid at Burke
According to US News, "education experts say the cost of private schools is often the largest barrier to creating more racial and ethnic diversity" (2021).
At Burke, need-based Financial Aid is a top priority, constituting 15% of our budget annually and providing aid to more than one-third of our families. Financial Aid supports participation in all school-sponsored academic and extracurricular activities, ensuring that school life is fully open to every student. Burke also provides financial assistance with the morning bus and lunch service.
Our Board of Trustees has also prioritized slowing tuition growth overall, and Burke continues to include books, field trips, and materials in the cost of tuition.
Resources & Reading
- CONNECTdmv: Closing access and opportunity gaps for families and students of color at DMV independent schools
- NPR: Videos like the Tyre Nichols footage can be traumatic; an expert shares ways to cope (2023)
- Southern Education Foundation: A History of Private Schools and Race in the American South (2016)
- Stop AAPI Hate: Our communities stand united against racism
- The Atlantic: When Minority Students Attend Elite Private Schools (2013)
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Faith in Focus
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Black Girls Meet
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Jewish Affinity Group
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Latine / Hispanic Student Union
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Our Context
While famously dubbed "the great equalizer" by Horace Mann in 1848, educational opportunity in the United States was – and yet remains – inequitable in its offerings and outcomes. In the mid and late-20th century, landmark court cases and legislation greatly broadened educational access for long-marginalized groups. But much remains to be done. Following these historic advancements, how do schools ensure equity on their own scale?
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Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-362-8882 | Fax: 202-362-1914