EQUITY & BELONGING
Creating A Culture of Belonging
O’Dowd’s Charism (spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit) calls us to Community in Diversity. We are called to recognize the inherent dignity of all humans, to be attuned to the real world experience of difference, and the shared experience of being human. We strive always to treat each other as Jesus would - righteously, with love and compassion.
O’Dowd’s student body represents a rich diversity of races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, traditions, cultures, learning styles, family compositions, and geographies. 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 Catholic community, we see all students as children of God and promote equity so that all students may thrive. As St. Irenaeus proclaims, "The glory of God is the person fully alive!"
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.
60%
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 promote belonging and inclusion on campus, equipping all students for success. 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 equity and belonging.
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:
Community in Diversity Task Force
In fulfillment of our mission and Charism, the Community in Diversity Task Force represents myriad leaders and community stakeholders, including staff, faculty, alumni, parents and subject matter experts. Together they work to expand the depth and breadth of our commitment to equity and belonging, helping to engage more people, hear more voices, and leverage the incredible talent we have in our community. The Community in Diversity Task Force will inform our goals and objectives for the next phase of equity and belonging work at O’Dowd.
Fr. Leo Edgerly, Chair
Vice President for Catholic Mission
Kerwin Allen, P.E.
Board of Regents Chair
Regional Manager Kennedy Jenks
Francine Anthony
Vice Chair, Board of Regents
Current Parent
Allyson Criner Brown ’02
Office of Racial Equity, Government of the District of Columbia
Advisor to Task Force
Felicia Wanzo Bryant '94
Fire Marshal, Oakland Fire Department
Current Parent
Nam Do
Current Parent
Lillian Fong
Parent of Alumni
Tracey Broadhead Frith ’85
Parent of Alumni
Arthur Guimaraes
Current Parent
Board of Regents Member
Anthony Green
Social Studies/ AP African American Studies Teacher
Parent of Alumni
Alan MacIntosh
Chair, Mission and Charism Committee, Board of Regents
Parent of Alumni
Samantha Mercado
Counseling Department
Ray Lehner
Social Studies Teacher
Football and Rugby Coach
Current Parent
Advisors to Task Force
Kim Walsh, ex officio
President
Doug Evans, ex officio
Principal
Jeannette DeLaGarza
Project Manager