Building Belonging

Building Belonging Building Belonging

The end of the 2021-22 school year featured a flurry of activity as the Windward community closed the final months with a number of DEIB celebrations and events. In addition to ongoing Affinity Group and Open Space efforts, the School also invited the community to learn more about the various groups and cultures on campus by way of nationally recognized monthly spotlights.

In March, the School held a series of Middle School and Upper School panel discussions celebrating Women’s History Month. Informed by the month’s theme— Women Providing Healing and Promoting Hope—the series was led by both parent and faculty women. Discussing the importance and significance of Women’s History Month, as well as their own shared and individual experiences, the series looked at representation, inequity, and identity through a uniquely personal lens.

In May, the School honored the many contributions and influences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States by celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Students, parents, faculty, and staff celebrated the month by way of regional dishes, an ongoing storytelling series, and affinity group discussions. The month was capped off by the release of a student-written AAPI newsletter, which included student and faculty perspective pieces, as well as personal experiences and performances.

The end of the school year coincided with the beginning of Pride Month as Windward student leaders in SAGA, SPECTRUM, and the LGBTQIA+ Affinity groups worked to create educational on-campus displays including biographies, timelines, and Pride flag meanings. Inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, Pride Month allowed students, parents, faculty, and staff the forum to celebrate and educate themselves as either members of the community or as allies, working together to promote equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQIA+ Americans.

Looking ahead, the 2022-23 school year will feature a number of welcome returns. Old favorites like Tales at the Table will welcome community members back to campus this Fall, and Windward cohorts will once again attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference and People of Color Conference after a multi-year hiatus. From longrunning staples to growing programs like Windward’s Black Student Union, 2022-23 Windward looks forward to working together in providing another year of engagement, community building, and connection.

2022-23

DEIB Events at a Glance

September

National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15

October

LGBTQIA+ History Month National Coming Out Day Tuesday, October 11 Tales at the Table Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m. Diwali Monday, October 24

November

National Native American History Month

January

Lunar New Year Sunday, January 22 International Holocaust Remembrance Day Friday, January 27

February

Black History Month

March

Women's History Month National Disabilities Awareness Month Ramadan March 22 - April 21

April

Arab American Heritage Month GLSEN Day of Silence Friday, April 14

May

AAPI Heritage Month Jewish American History Month

QR CODE: Scan to read the Spring 2022 issue of the AAPI Newsletter