MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEIB

"The Society lives wholly in its members and its members in it, and what is common to all thus includes what is special to each."

-Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat

In this year ' s fourth grade musical, "The Wizard of Oz," Dorothy repeats the famous phrase, "There's no place like home " These words, echoing in our minds, resonate with a deep internal longing for familiarity and belonging which is the desired outcome of Stuart's work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Belonging surpasses mere presence or acceptance It taps into our innate need to feel safe in being understood, valued, and embraced for who we are. When transcending its politicized platform, shedding its cloak of sensationalized fear, and then rooting itself in the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, DEIB can create spaces where people feel at home and like they belong Christ, the epitome of selfless and vulnerable love, embraced those who were marginalized, excluded, and oppressed, proclaiming, "All are welcome! There is room at my table." As we nurture and educate our students to be critical thinkers of the world and all of its systems and institutions, we do so with Christ's example. We work to prepare a place for our neighbors and extend the love and welcome we have been commanded to share. Just as we pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven," let us prepare a home for others here on earth, a place at Stuart where all can belong.

This DEIB Annual Report has been prepared to share the strategic efforts made to ensure that all members of our community feel like they belong and have a place to call home at Stuart. We acknowledge the painful missteps that have been taken in the past, are doing the hard work of accountability, and remain committed to the path forward While we are not yet where we want to be, we are also not where we used to be.

Please continue to partner with us through dialogue, through vulnerability, through celebration, and through prayer as we engage in the work of belonging!

-Monique Jones, Director of DEIB