We are pleased to share with you a report on our commitment to becoming a more anti-racist, culturally aware school community. This work does not happen overnight. We will continue to keep you updated on our progress as new milestones are reached. We’d like to thank the Board of Trustees for their support, both spiritually and financially, to meet our collective goals. Our faculty and staff continue to work hard to ensure our students have the resources and support they need. A special thank you is in order to our students for sharing their stories through their lived experiences--their voices are critical as we work to become a better school.
A Message from our Vice Principal of Teaching & Learning
State of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for the 2022-23 School Year
Greetings!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work is all of our work. That sentiment has been the hallmark of the past three years, as we have asserted renewed commitment and vigor to make our school an anti-racist, just, and inclusive space. With the August departure of longtime DEI Director Dr. Ruth Evee P’19, ’22, the absence of that position has been felt acutely by students and employees alike. However, we have been blessed by so many adults in the building who see DEI work as a shared priority and who have stepped into spaces to lead where a presence was needed. We have a renewed DEI Council chaired by Lizzy Corsetti, Math faculty, an adult affinity group led by Huy Huynh, Director of Campus Ministry, the student leadership group, Diversity Cabinet, brought into prioritized space by Paul Carty, Director of the Michael D. White '70 Center for Emerging Leaders, our Black History Month offerings organized jointly by Anthony Docanto ’15, Pro Head of House and Social Studies, Kenny Delino ’16, Assistant Director of Alumni Programs, the second year of the SOAR (Students Organized Against Racism) group, headed by Terrell Diggs, Assistant Director of Enrollment, our first-ever Historically Black College expo spearheaded by Mike Gardner, Day Head of House and counselor….and the list goes on.
As a leadership team, we aim to advance the work, not keep it status quo. This year, we have started the process of adding more affinity groups for underrepresented student populations, including the newly-formed Jewish Student Union, led by Leslie LaRocca, Social Studies chairperson, and we continue to increase the paths forward to celebrating neurodiversity with the Learning Enhancement center and through professional development for teachers. In academics, we have worked with department chairs and teachers to develop a range of rigorous, in-depth courses committed to the ethos of the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. All students can choose to engage in those courses, which spread across many departments and disciplines, and as a commitment to these values being part and parcel of a BC High education, students will select a DEI designated course as part of their graduation requirement starting with the class of 2026. And while so many from our community have continued these efforts, we know how critical it is to have a strategic, visionary, and experienced DEI Director joining our BC High family. The job search has been intensive and ongoing, including engaging a national firm to recruit highly qualified candidates. We are excited to share an important update on that front!
The work continues. We always say, we do not see our commitment to diversity and belonging as separate from the daily commitment each of us has to our students and families—and that has been true in 2022-2023 more than ever before. Our mission compels us and our love for our students keeps us moving toward a path toward equity and justice. -- Alison MacDonald, Vice Principal of Teaching & Learning
.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Reaffirmed as Presidential & Institutional Priorities for 2022-23
In response to the urgency and importance of dignity and justice for all people, and our commitment to human excellence in living out our Jesuit ideals, BC High’s Board of Trustees and President Grace Cotter Regan P'12 approved the following goals as Faith and Justice Presidential Priorities for Fiscal Year 2023:
- To work with the Principal and Director of the Center for DEI to develop a three - five year strategic and comprehensive plan for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for faculty, staff, and students. With key areas of focus on hiring and retaining faculty of color, engaging prospective students from traditional underserved areas, and deepening the community work to become an anti-racist and just school.
- To work with the Principal and Director of the Center of Ignatian, Identity, & Formation to develop a three - five year strategic plan for Ignatian formation for students, faculty, and staff.
Board of Trustees Update on DEI
In June 2020, the Board of Trustees engaged Latham & Watkins, LLP to conduct a comprehensive, independent review of the issues raised through the Instagram account @blackatbchigh and, more broadly, review the climate at BC High around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. With the review now complete, on behalf of the Board, we are pleased to share Latham's report with you (redacted to protect confidential information). The executive summary can be found here. The findings are summarized in four main areas of focus which we have been included in our Strategic Plan:
- Discipline
- Hiring Faculty of Color and Recruiting Students of Color
- The Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at BC High
- Professional Development and Classroom Training
The Board is to be commended for its leadership and guidance throughout the entire year-long review. We are also deeply grateful to those members of our community who courageously shared their lived experiences, stories, insights, and aspirations with the Latham team. With what we have learned, we will continue our work on being a more inclusive and just community.
The Mission & Identity Committee of the Board continues to work on many of the issues raised as part of the L&W report, particularly the role of Fr. John McElroy, SJ. The committee will have more news to share in the spring on how BC High will honor Fr. McElroy's role in founding BC High while creating honoring our roots as a Jesuit, Catholic school.
Hiring Process and Updates
New Director for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Named
In July 2020, President Regan and Principal Lewis made the important decision to elevate the role of the Director of DEI to better reflect the School’s institutional commitment. Given the signifcance of the role, the School has been deliberate and thorough in the search for the next director. We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Dennis Hill has been named the next Director of the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at BC High.
Dr. Hill joins BC High from Southern New Hampshire University, where he previously served as the Associate Director of Diversity Programs. Further, while at SNHU, Dr. Hill served as an adjunct professor and lecturer in several disciplines. He's a lifelong learner and shared, "I was taught that education is a lifelong journey in which is essential for the growth and development of oneself, the strength of our communities, and the collective conscious of our nation."
Dr. Hill will join us for a few days per week until his classes conclude in early May.
Our hiring process
In the Spring of 2022, members of the administration, Academic Council, Sue Glover, Manager of People and Culture, and the Diversity Committee developed a very intentional and strategic plan focused on hiring and retaining faculty and staff of color. That plan was implemented throughout the summer and has resulted in several key hires for the 2022-23 school year.
BC High is committed to creating a more racially diverse and inclusive community through the work of the hiring protocols. By creating a standardized process, there is an equal opportunity for people across departments to be considered for hire. The requirements must be followed by every manager, department chair, or administrator when seeking to fill a position. The goal of these requirements is to increase the pool of candidates to include more racial diversity and to address the role that individual bias plays in the hiring process.
Further, every new faculty and staff member will go through a process of formation which includes a deep understanding of the School's commitment to being an anti-racist and just environment but using the Courageous Conversations protocols. This formation also includes a commitment by the Ignatian Identity and Formation team to understanding the impact of Jesuit formation in the classroom.
Human Diversity is a gift that BC High strives to promote, affirm, and celebrate. As a Jesuit, Catholic school, we commit to justice, equity, and inclusion because they are essential to meaningful learning, personal growth, and loving relationships. -DEI Mission Statement
Student Experience
Students Organized Against Racism (S.O.A.R.)
SOAR meets biweekly to discuss various topics around race (whether personal experiences at BC High or outside of school) and to also find ways to help BC High continue to be anti-racist. Our plan to to continue the work of the high school students with Arrupe students in the coming weeks.
A group of about 35 boys attended Courageous Conversations training with LaKeisha Cook, Diversity Practitioner, in early December and are equipped to lead various conversations with a focus on race. Students have made progress in engaging in these conversations within their Houses at BC High.
Members of S.O.A.R. are creating posters which will consist of the S.O.A.R. mission statement and provide details about what the group is and whom is serves. Further, its important for students to understand why the work of S.O.A.R. is critical to our community. Posters will contain ways for the community to learn more through a QR code to further resources.
All-School Read
Corcoran Living Library Lecture Series Presents: Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
On November 10, the BC High community was delighted to hear from our all-school-read speaker, Gene Luen Yang, author of Dragon Hoops. The book tells the story of a Catholic high school’s basketball team and their journey to winning the state championship. The themes of defining one’s identity and the importance of taking risks, among others, continue to be explored in mentor groups within the House System this year.
Luen Yang captivated our students, faculty, and staff for over an hour and graciously sat for a book signing following the main event with students from the Michael D. White '70 Center for Emerging Leaders and AAPIC (Asian American Pacific Islanders Collaborative). The event would not have been possible without the dedicated work of Marilee Bennis, Supervisor of Learning Enhancement. Parents joined us in person and virtually as a way to continue their work on helping BC High strive to be an anti-racist and inclusive community.
We are grateful to the Corcoran Family for the opportunity to bring speakers and dynamic presenters to engage with our students, faculty, and staff.
MLK Jr. Prayer Service
For the first time in three years, we were able to hold the annual MLK Jr. Breakfast and Prayer Service in person and it did not disappoint! With over 1500 people in attendance including the Board of Trustees, parents, and alumni, and students from Fontbonne Academy and Notre Dame Academy, our community was blessed to join in celebration as we honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Patron of King House!)
Under the direction of Anthony Docanto '15, Pro Head of House, Social Studies, moderator of BLSU, and John Mark, Director of the Center for Ignatian Identity & Formation, we welcomed Dr. Keith Motley, Chancellor Emeritus - University of Massachusetts Boston to campus. AJ Okereke '10, Trustee, provided a wonderful reflection on his experience at BC High, while Mr. Chris Bender and his band provided a remarkable backdrop of beautiful and powerful music to get the crowd energized.
Members of Black & Latino Student Union (BLSU) provided remarkable reflections and readings on Martin Luther King Jr. and his life. Under the theme, "What do you bring to BC High?" the students orchestrated a wonderful event for their peers and the adult community.
We were grateful for our media club, under the direction of Kaylee Maneen, Digital and Social Media Strategist, which captured the event in photos and video. To watch the event, click here. They captured the enthusiasm of the event here.
Diversity Cabinet
Under the direction of Paul Carty, Director of the Michael D. White '70 Center for Emerging Leaders, the Diversity Cabinet includes representation from all the affinity groups and meets regularly to discuss a variety of topics. Notably this year, they have hosted an open forum on Fr. McElroy, SJ and his role in the Maryland Province during the mid 1800's. Further, there has been a significant increase in participation from groups like the Hispanic Latino Association and a new group, the Jewish Affinity Group, has been formed and involvement continues to increase. All Affinity groups continue to provide a safe space for students to celebrate and have open discussions regarding their inclusion at the school.
The work of the affinity groups
Under the direction of Dr. Jessica Kiely, the Hispanic Latino Association hosted a social event that saw terrific attendance on a freezing cold Friday night! With several hundred students in attendance, they were shown traditional Latin dance by parents within our community.
The Asian American Pacific Islanders Collective has had a busy few months with the following:
AAPIC also put on a remarkable Lunar New Year celebration where students, faculty, and staff could enjoy cultural foods, entertainment, and merriment. Members of AAPIC shared their personal stories and experiences with the audience. Special thanks to Huy Huynh, Director of Campus Ministry for his commitment and dedication to this important work.
The Catholic Gay Straight Organization (CGSO) has had an equally busy fall as the other affinity groups. Of note, Fr. James Martin, SJ met with our students to talk about his LGBTQ+ ministry and answer questions from students after they watched the documentary about his work, Building a Bridge, based on Fr. Martin's book by the same title.
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Expo
Principal Adam Lewis, VP Alison MacDonald, and Mike Gardner, Day Head of House, liaised with Kyrk Morris from Citizens of the World to host a fabulous HBCU expo and panel of current HBCU students on campus to speak to our juniors and seniors about the opportunities and experiences at their schools. It was remarkably well received with great feedback from the students and faculty of color. Some students interested in attending HBCUs will be attending a Bus Tour with Citizens of the World this Spring. Further, BC High will host groups for the HBCU Fundraiser this coming March!
Sankofa Mentoring Program
Under the direction of Kenny Delino '16 and Anthony Docanto '15, the Sankofa Mentoring Program held its inaugural event on Saturday, February 11 with dozens of current students and alumni mentors in attendance. The mission of the Sankofa Mentoring Program is to assist current BLSU students with their academic, social, and spiritual formation during their time at BC High. Through the program, students are given the opportunity to connect and build relationships with BLSU Alumni.
This program nourishes student needs beyond the classroom and provides the support, the resources, and the voices necessary to ensure students are successful during their time at BC High and beyond. During the academic year, mentors and mentees will work to cultivate leadership skills, build community, and have fun through social and academic programs put on by the Sankofa Mentorship staff.
At its core, this program is rooted in the Catholic tradition of our school, specifically in its Jesuit values, which calls for a faith that is committed to the promotion of justice. This program reflects BC High’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensuring every student and alumnus feels known, cared for, and seen.
Goals of the Program:
- To establish a network of support and resources
- To engage our alumni of color
- To engage students in questions of cultural, racial, ethnic, and spiritual identity and development
- To enhance personal growth and provide mentees with the necessary tools, skills, and counsel to enhance their BC High experience.
Incorporating our work into the curriculum
Through the dedicated work of Alison MacDonald, Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Tom Smith, Dean of Teaching & Learning, and the entire Academic Council (comprised of each department chair including representatives from the Arrupe Division), we are proud to share that we have implemented a diversity, equity, and inclusion requirement for students as part of their graduation requirements. Many of the disciplines have defined specific classes that relate directly to DEI and students may choose from any of them. Its been positively received and we are excited to continue to add classes and topics each year. Examples of course designations below:
Community Engagement
Equity Leadership Team
A main focus for the year has been the continued work of the Equity Leadership Team (ELT). This group of nearly 20 faculty and staff met for in-depth training with the Courageous Conversations protocols. They moderate small professional learning groups (in which all employees participate) on relevant topics throughout the year and work to keep DEI a focus in and out of the classroom.
Our Work as a Community
With special thanks to Katie McKiernan, King Head of House, Math, we now have easily accessible resources on myBCHigh for our students, faculty/staff, and families help initiate and progress conversations on a variety of topics. Further, faculty and staff have had the opportunity to engage in a number of conferences and events designed to help them grow personally and professionally.
- Faculty Affinity Groups (POC, LGBTQ+, and Black) have gathered to support each other and discuss ways BC High can be more inclusive to specific groups
- People of Color Conference was held in-person in San Antonio this year with XX faculty and staff in attendance
- AISNE Diversity Conference was also attended virtually by 14 faculty and staff members. AISNE attendees came together to share their favorite workshops and takeaways from the conference
- Individual meetings with administrators who completed their Intercultural Development Inventory assessment tool. A new cohort of staff will begin their their process to think deeper about cultural differences and their personal journey towards adaptation.
- NAIS People of Color Conference
- AISNE Anti-Racism Conference
- AISNE Heads and DEI Cohorts
- Ongoing DEI Book Discussion Groups for Faculty & Staff with frequently updated resources widely available
Celebrating Black History Month
Throughout February we have been celebrating Black History Month. Anthony Docanto '15, Pro Head of House, Social Studies was instrumental in organizing the work this year which includes, in part:
- February 9 & 16: Black Faculty Agape Latte (Gabriella Cruz, English, and Marc Stallworth, IT, will share their wisdom/story with our community)
- February 11: Sankofa Mentoring Project Launch
- February 15: Movie Night - Devotion: The inspirational true story of Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in U.S. Navy history, and his enduring friendship with fellow fighter pilot Tom Hudner. Helping to turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War, their heroic sacrifices ultimately make them the Navy's most celebrated wingmen.
- February 27: Louis White Day: Louis White was the first African American student to enroll at Boston College High School. Graduating in the class of 1956, Louis excelled academically and athletically. He was involved in student council and eventually became president of his homeroom. Louis also played varsity basketball and ran track. Louis White was the embodiment of what our student athletes strove to be. BLSU students will honor him this month.
- February 28: Alumni Panel & Patty Party: Alumni will return to share their experiences with current BLSU students. Patties from different cultures (Jamaican, Haitian, Dominican, Cape Verdean) will be served
- Poster boards in the Hunter/Fahey Commons - celebrating and honoring all Black faculty and staff members that have worked at BC High
Celebrating our BLSU Alumni
Our BLSU (Black Latino Student Union) Alumni Reunion was held in November and we welcomed back over 75 people to campus. We were thrilled to have former DEI directors, Barbara O'Brien-Miller, Dr. Ruth Evee P'19, '22, and Nelson Miranda P'16, '18 to campus to join alumni from the 1970's through 2022. Led by Kenny Delino ’16 and Anthony Docanto ’15, classmates, friends, and fellow BLSU Alumni reconnected and a wonderful evening of merriment and fun. We look forward to our next event soon!
Community-wide Racial Equity Systemic Transformation – Courageous Conversation ™
BC High has continued in year-two of an ambitious multi-year partnership to foster continuous and sustainable culture change. Facilitated by Pacific Education Group, Courageous Conversation™ is the award-winning protocol for effectively engaging, sustaining, and deepening interracial dialogue. This effort requires a serious and substantive investment in time and resources, reflective of BC High’s commitment to racial equity and justice.
All new faculty and staff experienced a full day of Courageous Conversation training to ensure they are using the same protocols that the rest of the school has learned. Its important that the Courageous Conversation training becomes part of the onboarding process of new hires.
The program continues to engage all BC High constituencies, providing a framework to “transform beliefs, behaviors, and results so people of all races can achieve at their highest levels and live their most empowered and powerful lives.” Launching in September, 2020, the initial phase of this work has engaged School leaders in a series of 10 in-depth workshops to learn and prepare to teach and sustain the Courageous Conversation ™ protocol within the community. During the Spring semester, the program expanded to include the Board of Trustees and all faculty and staff. This year students, families and alumni, have engaged in this important work.