Marymount School

Throughout the year, Marymount works to increase awareness and bring the community together though a series of social justice and diversity initiatives. These initiatives are planned by the Upper School club CAMBIAS, the Faculty and Staff Diversity Comittee, the Alumnae Diversity Committee, and the newly established PA Social Justice and Diversity Committee. For more information, please contact Marymount’s Diversity Coordinator, Sabra McKenzie-Hamilton.

Every year, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) hosts two simultaneous conferences on issues of diversity–one for adults (the People of Color Conference or PoCC) and one for students (the Student Diversity Leadership Conference or SDLC). According to the NAIS website, these conferences address two important needs: “the need for people of color to come together for networking and support, and the need for schools to find ways to build and sustain inclusive communities.”

Diversity Awareness Initiative for Students (DAIS) Meeting

Marymount will host one of the monthly Diversity Awareness Initiative for Students (DAIS) meetings. To read more about last year’s meeting, click here. DAIS comprises students from New York City independent, public, and parochial schools who wish to discuss and improve human relations within the community and in society at large.

Marymount’s bi-annual Bias Awareness Day examines unconscious biases that can lead to discrimination, name-calling and even violence. Bias Awareness Day 2011, “Examining Privilege Through Different Lenses,” occurred during National No Name Calling Week.

On alternate years, Marymount holds Harambee (from the Swahili, meaning “all pull together”) is a student-led evening celebration of cultural awareness and pride. The bi-annual event focuses on black African, Caribbean, and African-American experience while at the same time inviting all members of the community to tell stories, challenge structures of oppression, and celebrate diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. During the weeks that precede and follow, each division commemorates Black/African-American History month in some form with age-appropriate activities and curricula.

Ally Week

Marymount will hold its third Ally Week to encourage awareness among students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and parents about the role an ally plays in ending discrimination, bias, and name-calling. The week will begin on April 16 and end on April 20 with participation in the National Day of Silence.