EQUITY & BELONGING
Creating A Culture of Belonging
O’Dowd’s student body represents a rich diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic background, tradition, culture, learning style, family composition, and geography. These unique and multilayered student identities create opportunities for us to learn from each other, broaden our perspectives, respect differences, and ultimately become more aware and empathic global citizens. As a community, we are always striving to create equitable systems where all students thrive.
Key Areas of Focus
Community Engagement
Building a community that is self-aware, culturally competent, and socio-emotionally sensitive.
Recruitment, Hiring & Retention
Sustaining a racially & ethnically diverse faculty and staff that mirrors the diversity of the O'Dowd student community.
Curriculum & Pedagogy
Intentionally creating an academic program that is culturally responsive and anti-racist, rooted
in our mission and Charism.
Equitable, Restorative & Accountable Discipline
Integrating restorative practices into O’Dowd’s disciplinary procedures to ensure that accountability is equitable and Charism aligned.
Student & Staff Affinity Groups
Our Affinity Groups offer a space for students and staff to build community and connections with others who share their racial identity. In Affinity Groups, members gain fellowship, share experiences, and develop skills around race and cross-racial dialogue.
59%
Students of Color
5
Racial Affinity Groups
10
Cultural Identity Clubs
40%
Faculty of Color
100+
Regional Partner Schools
20+
Family Zip Codes
Building A Culture of Belonging: Commitment to Professional Growth
All faculty and staff, from teachers, counselors and athletic coaches, to campus ministry and administrators, participate in ongoing professional learning to strengthen our skills enacting diversity, equity, and inclusion practices on campus. From workshops, conferences, expert lectures and more, our faculty and staff gain best-practices to teach, coach, and guide students in culturally responsive and relevant ways.
Community Resources
These recommended resources for students and families focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Books:
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Ibram X. Kendi, How to be an Anti-Racist
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Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi, Stamped: Race, Anti-Racism & You
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Ijeoma Oluo, So You Want to Talk About Race
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Nikole Hannah-Jones, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story
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Cathy Park Hong, Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning
Videos, Podcasts, Articles & Websites:
Directory of Equity and Belonging
Patrice Wakeley '01
Patrice leads our Equity & Belonging efforts at O’Dowd. In her role, Patrice works to ensure O’Dowd’s policies, practices, and systems result in equitable and positive educational experiences for all students. She deeply respects student leadership, and always seeks to bring student voices to the forefront of O’Dowd’s DEI commitments.