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. 

List of 4 items.

  • Affinity Spaces


    Asian Student Association
    Black Girls Meet
    Black Student Union
    Boys Leading Boys
    Faith in Focus
    Feminist Cooperative
    Fusion (multiracial students)
    Latine/Hispanic Student Union
    Jewish Affinity Group
    Queer Student Association
    Self Advocacy for Neurodivergent & Disabled Youth
    White Allies for Values of Equity
    Young 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

  • Athletics Training


    In partnership with our Athletic Department, our Director of Equity, Inclusion & Culture 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, MSW
    Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Culture

    University of Connecticut - B.A.
    Hunter College - M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)

    202-362-8882 x657

Culture Day 2026 by Edmund Burke School on Exposure

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