Cultural Competency & Inclusion

In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students of all ages participated in projects to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. Students researched and illustrated various quotes by Dr. King and produced beautiful artwork to be displayed throughout campus.

“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Saturday, April 1, over 200 people gathered to share and celebrate their various cultures at the 2023 SCDS Multicultural Festival.  The event, sponsored by the Upper School Club "SCD" (Students Celebrating Diversity), was made possible by parents, faculty, and students who volunteered their time, made delicious dishes from around the world, and entertained us with music, dancing, and storytelling.  Our Korean and Indian families brought traditional clothing from their countries so that those attending could try it on.

Thirteen countries were represented by SCDS community members at this year's Multicultural Festival (Bulgaria, Cuba, Germany, Great, Britain, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Southern United States, Switzerland, Uruguay, and Venezuela).

Thank you to juniors Britney Brown, Phil-Isabelle Ajayi, and Maya King for creating and leading today's Black History Month presentation. As this year's Black History Month theme is "Black Health and Wellness," the student-led presentation highlighted the recent contributions of several Black American scientists and doctors, including Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and Dr. Ben Carson. The presentation also included a video that showcased how Black History Month is celebrated around the world.

Last week, five Upper School students—Britney Brown, Phil-Isabelle Ajayi, Lily Tran, Leyla Patel, Maya King, and Rooster Bing— and four faculty members—Karen Brown, AJ Goldman, Corey Heyward, and Clare Ward—participated in the annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), and the adult counterpart, People of Color Conference (PoCC), both flagship conferences annually sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools. Attending the conferences allows the almost 8,000 participants from various independent schools across the nation to share in NAIS's commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and organizational development.    

During the five-day conference, Hornets attended a series of thought-provoking workshops, inspiring speakers, and affinity group spaces, all centered around the theme of “We The People: Leveraging Our Community to Preserve Our Humanity” The conferences serve as a way for Country Day students and adults to engage in an unforgettable and impactful inclusion experience, bring back to Country Day invaluable leadership and insights, and help lead the call to character and courage in the national movement of our time.