At Marist, diversity and inclusion are fundamental principles that shape the school’s culture, aiming to create an environment where students from all backgrounds are empowered to learn, grow and succeed as one.
With a student body that reflects a wide range of ethnic, and a vast amount of cultural backgrounds, Marist administrators have made it a priority to build a community where every student feels as though they belong.
“There is a wide range of human differences so we have to make sure that we are considering them all and not only thinking about race or ethnicity,” said Ms. LaToya Hayes, Director of Equality and Belonging.
By addressing and promoting inclusion, and encouraging an atmosphere of mutual respect, Marist strives to set a powerful example of how educational institutes can actively contribute to the broader societal goal of inclusion.
With this in mind, Marist has recently created a new SAFE (Students Advocating for Equity) council where students work together to engage with their peers to consider recommendations to create a more diverse and/or inclusive environment.
“The SAFE council facilitates many principles by finding aspects at Marist that directly challenge inclusion, fairness, and the valued sense of community that Marist promotes,” said senior Gregory Middleton, member of SAFE council and Black Student Union.
Students benefit from this wide range of perspectives, which can enhance classroom discussions, collaborative projects, and community activities. When students from different backgrounds come together, they bring with them unique perspectives of thinking and problem solving that enrich Marist’s school community.
“By using resources in knowledge I have available to me I am able to better help others who may not know how to go about overcoming the challenges they face in their environment,” said sophomore Kiera Macis, member of SAFE council.
The demographics at Marist have become more diverse in recent years with a wide variety of ethnic groups, racial backgrounds, and religions.
“I have been here for 21 years and we have definitely grown in the area of diversity, tremendously over the last 20 years. I see diversity in the classrooms, in the makeup of the staff, and the displays I make/students help me make in the hallways,” said Hayes.
Last year Marist hosted its second annual Celebration of Culture where students and faculty show off the cultures they represent with food tastings, information on cultures, and life in these countries. There were displays representing different countries such as the Philippines, Nigerian, Ireland, Poland, Lithuania, Italy, Mexico, Latin America, and Greece.
“The Night of Culture is an event open to staff, students, parents, and the community beyond Marist High School,” said Hayes.
Hayes has a presentation to engage with students when they come to Marist as freshmen, which emphasizes building community by way of embracing diversity. During the presentations, Hayes creates a space for students to get to know each other, discuss the human differences that exist at the school, and how to learn more about those differences without being afraid to ask.
“Inclusion can build many long lasting friendships, connections, and relationships that can guide a person to feel valued, supported and like they belong. In a place like Marist, those principles are so very important,” said Middleton.
