K-12
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion The Black Student Union created a space for me to connect with peers on a more personal level by celebrating our identities and cultures together.” –Dina A., grade 12
Our affinity groups: bringing together people with a common identifier. UPPER SCHOOL • Asian Pacific American Caucus • LatinX • Black Student Union • Muslim Student Association • Jewish Affinity Group • Trans Affinity Group • Sikh Student Association • Middle Eastern Student Association
FACULTY
VISION STATEMENT We are firmly dedicated to building, sustaining and retaining a safe, loving and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, staff, families and alumni, and expect all members in the Harker community to participate and engage in this work collectively. Through our educational opportunities for students, and development opportunities for faculty, staff and parents, we embrace the conversations needed so that our students are equipped to be the change makers needed in our country and throughout the world.
• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) • AWARE (Alliance of White, Anti-Racist Educators)
The Harker School stands against all forms of discrimination, harassment and violence, and we stand in solidarity with all communities and people who comprise our society.
“Whether it is viewing performances, learning about different traditions, seeing cultural dress or getting to taste new foods, Culture Week is a great experience and representation of the many heritages in the Harker community.”
DIVERSITY COMMITTEES
–Ariana G., grade 11
The upper, middle and lower school Diversity Committees comprise faculty, staff and administrators who bring workshops, training, introductions to new terms and vocabulary, and resources to teachers at their respective divisions. The committees meet monthly to foster ideas regarding goals for the school’s DEI initiatives. At the transitional kindergarten, the committee is composed of the division head and all teachers.
“Through the Muslim Student Association, I’ve found a community at Harker that can understand me and provide a forum to discuss an important part of who we are.” –Ritu B., grade 12
Professional development opportunities our faculty and staff have attended since the founding of the DEI office in 2021: • NAIS National Conference
• White Privilege Conference
• NAIS People of Color Conference
• Stanford Neurodiversity Conference
• San Diego Equity Conference
• California Student Wellness Conference
• California STEAM Conference
• Creating Change Conference
• CATDC Conferences
UPPER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL INITIATIVES Social Justice Day is a daylong upper school event that features changemakers, activists, university scholars, and independent school leaders who bring together Harker students, faculty, staff and administrators for a conference with themes around human rights, education, diversity, equity and inclusion, and more. The conference aims to extend Harker’s school mission and philosophy, increasing exposure to diverse stories, and perspectives, and understanding where they can get involved.
STUDENT BELONG BOARD (SBB) The SBB is a group of middle school student leaders dedicated to: • promoting a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility/ leadership among the board of students • creating opportunities for meaningful connections and interactions among community members • educating ourselves and others about the diverse experiences and perspectives within our community. • creating community-building activities between community stakeholders Students selected to SBB create and shape school-year programming, including: • • • • • •
Culture Week periodic meetings with administrators who’s who at the middle school campus panel discussions with community members welcome lunch activities collaboration with leadership council, LIFE board, and middle school mentors
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
STUDENT DIVERSITY COALITION (SDC)
ANNUAL EVENTS Student Diversity Leadership Gathering
This annual Bay Area/Northern California student and faculty conference is hosted by Harker’s Diversity Coalition. One of its many goals is to connect with students, faculty and staff in California schools who want to further explore diversity and social activism through an experiential program that will deepen our thinking and understanding, while exploring the dynamics of identity and fostering kinship within and across affinity groups.
Day of Service
The third Monday of January is Harker’s Day of Service, which stands as a powerful embodiment of our school’s mission and philosophy, uniting students, parents and teachers in a shared commitment to social justice, community engagement and inclusion. By joining hands on this day, we actively honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy, fostering a collaborative environment where learning extends beyond the classroom to create positive change in our broader society.
Martin Luther King Jr. Evening Celebration
We celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy during our Evening Celebration, illuminated by a profound reverence and unity. The event honors his relentless pursuit of justice through captivating speeches, vibrant artistic expressions and heartfelt conversations, and ignites a collective commitment to realize his dream in our time. This signature event embodies the very essence of our shared journey toward equality, empowerment, and a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Two students formed this organization in 2020 after they attended the NAIS People of Color Conference and determined that Harker would benefit greatly from a student-led coalition dedicated to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. SDC aims to foster an inclusive space for all students to talk about DEI topics and issues, encouraging students to take action in pursuing justice for all. The SDC pursues three main goals: educating the community, celebrating diversity, and enhancing student support systems.
“Being in a room full of passionate high schoolers dedicated to change felt revolutionary. SDLG left an incredibly large impact on me and I take my experience there with me through every step of the day.” — Iris F., grade 12”
For more information, please contact Brian Davis , DEI director, at diversity@harker.org The Harker School | San Jose, CA | 408.248.2510 | K-12 College Prep | www.harker.org OofC: 9/23 (BHDG-JQ) 410