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Equity and Inclusion - High School
Burke Life
Equity and Inclusion
Our mission is to bring together students who are different from one another in many ways. Embracing differences, developing sensitivity to the perspective of others, and preventing isolation of any one group are intrinsic to Burke's culture.
Our Director of Equity & Inclusion is committed to weaving the principles of affirmation and fairness into everything we do at Burke – from assemblies to course curricula.
Unique amongst independent schools, every member of Burke’s faculty, staff, and administration must complete two in-house professional growth tracks: "Cultural Competency" and "Social Justice Pedagogy." Each growth track meets six times during the academic year with cohorts of ~15 participants.
Unique amongst independent schools, every member of Burke’s faculty, staff, and administration must complete two in-house professional growth tracks: "Cultural Competency" and "Social Justice Pedagogy." Each growth track meets six times during the academic year with cohorts of ~15 participants.
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Student Affinity Groups
Asian Student AssociationBlack Girls MeetBlack Student UnionBoys Leading BoysExamining White Privilege and Allyship
Faith in FocusFeminist CooperativeJewish Affinity GroupMixed Race Affinity GroupSSASIStudents Against AbleismYoung Black Men -
Student Conferences
Select local and national conferences that Burke students attend each year:
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 -
Equity and Inclusion Statement
Burke respects the dignity and humanity of our students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and trustees, as well as our broader community. We foster a culture of equity and inclusion that embraces the wide range of backgrounds and perspectives present at Burke. We continuously strive to cultivate understanding and appreciation of diversity that includes, but is not limited to, age, ability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, gender identity, political perspectives, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
We acknowledge and encourage differences of opinions, ideas, and interests, and we expect thoughtful discussion and civil engagement. Burke affirms the individual worth of all community members, and we challenge behaviors that demean, marginalize, or exclude others. Our goal is to maintain a diverse school community that exemplifies these values and to fulfill our commitment to equity and inclusion consistently in all areas of school and community life.
New in 2021-22, under Sharielle Applewhite's leadership, Equity, Inclusion & Civic Engagement Coordinators are instrumental in organizing civic engagement opportunities and creating equity programming for students. These coordinators are current faculty and staff members who have demonstrated a deep commitment to equity.
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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
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