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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence….

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential parts of educational excellence and data shows that it improves critical thinking and cognitive skills. To that end, the Harvard-Westlake Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to ensuring that every single member of the Harvard-Westlake community is celebrated, appreciated, and included. Harvard-Westlake’s DEI efforts are multifaceted and far-reaching, impacting students, alumni, faculty and staff, parents, and the greater Los Angeles area. We recognize that striving to be a diverse and inclusive community is an ever-evolving imperative that requires empathy, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in crucial and, at times, uncomfortable conversations.

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DEI in Action

Veterans Day Assembly

Veterans Day Assembly

November 11, 2024

Honoring Veterans Day today at Harvard-Westlake with a beautiful tribute from our Assistant Head of School for Belonging, Mrs. Janine Jones, who spoke about her grandfather’s experience in the military and upon his return from war. We salute all who served and honor their work.

AACC Special Assembly with Phil Wang of Wong Fu Pro

AACC Special Assembly with Phil Wang of Wong Fu Pro

November 4, 2024

On Monday, November 4, Asian American Culture Club (AACC) welcomed Phil Wang of Wong Fu Pro for a special assembly. Phil Wang grew up in California and started making films in high school, unofficially starting Wong Fu Productions. He attended UC San Diego where he met his co-founders, Wesley Chan and Ted Fu. Last year, WFP celebrated their 20th anniversary, marking two decades of storytelling from their AAPI perspectives. Over the years, they’ve amassed over 3 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 600 million views. Phil is a pioneer whose work has helped pave a pathway for Asian Americans in media, propelling the careers of Asian American actors, storytellers, and content creators. At the assembly, he shared some videos from their YouTube channel, talked about representation and the power of telling your own stories. The assembly was followed by a small-group chat with students over some popular beverages from his café BOPOMOFO.

Diwali Celebration

Diwali Celebration

Oct 28, 2024

Harvard-Westlake and the South Asian Student Association (SASA) celebrated Diwali, inviting students and faculty to join in the vibrant Festival of Lights. The celebration included students painting and decorating diyas, making rangoli designs on the quad, enjoying traditional treats, and learning about Diwali’s significance as a time to honor the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The event brought the community together to appreciate the themes of renewal, gratitude, and prosperity that Diwali embodies, highlighting the joy and unity at the heart of this cherished festival.

BLACC, SASA, and WOC Joint Meeting

BLACC, SASA, and WOC Joint Meeting

October 24, 2024

Black Leadership and Awareness Culture Club (BLACC) hosted a meeting in collaboration with South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) and Women of Color (WOC) to discuss Kamala Harris’s impact on communities and the upcoming election. The meeting featured trivia, insightful conversations, and a Kahoot quiz game creating a inclusive, educational, and welcoming space for all attendees.

Pollyanna Conference

Pollyanna Conference

October 19, 2024

Harvard-Westlake hosted its 8th annual Pollyanna Conference on October 19, 2024, centered around the theme “Exploring Gender in 2024 and Beyond.” The event provided an informative platform for discussions on gender identity and inclusivity. Keynote speaker Lily Zheng delivered a compelling address, emphasizing the importance of expanding our understanding of gender rather than restricting it. Zheng highlighted the need to recognize and respect how students perceive themselves, prioritize their needs over sensationalism, and embrace the joy and challenge of lifelong learning. The conference reinforced the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

Zoom Session with California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick

Zoom Session with California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick

October 16, 2024

Harvard-Westlake welcomed California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick for a special Zoom session with 8th-grade students, hosted during 9th period on October 16. Lee Herrick is as an educator, poet, and longtime California resident, discussing his journey and inspirations. The session allowed students to explore Herrick’s poem My California, and his visit highlighted the beauty and diversity of California, and he expressed his mission to advocate for poetry across the state. The event offered a unique learning opportunity that connected the students’ academic work to the broader world of poetry and literature.

Sukkah on Campus

Sukkah on Campus

October 16, 2024

Harvard-Westlake the our Jewish Club celebrated Sukkot on campus with students and teachers gathering at the middle and upper school campuses to decorate the sukkot, share meals, and celebrate all they have to be thankful for at this time. The sukkah, a temporary dwelling made of impermanent walls and a roof covered in branches, has many symbolic interpretations many of which focus on the fragility of life and gratitude. The events highlighted the values of community, hospitality, and thanksgiving which are central to the holiday.

Arlene Schnitzer Artist in Residence MS Assembly Speaker

Arlene Schnitzer Artist in Residence MS Assembly Speaker

October 14, 2024

Black Leadership and Awareness Culture Club (BLACC) and the Arts department welcomed Los Angeles-based artist Awol Erizku to campus for a special assembly. Erizku’s multi-disciplinary work spans photography, sculpture, painting, installation, film, and sound, blending African and Black American cultural elements to create his unique Afrocentric aesthetic, “Afro-esotericism.” His art challenges Eurocentric ideas of beauty, exploring ancient mythology, diasporic tradition, and contemporary culture through a rich mix of symbols from popular culture and art history.

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HW Heritage Festival

The Heritage Festival at HW celebrates the school’s diverse community by bringing families together to share cultures, connect with new members, and participate in vibrant affinity groups.

Harvard-Westlake Upper School Campus

Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair 2025

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Harvard-Westlake will host the annual Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair.

Harvard-Westlake Upper School Campus

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Pollyanna Conference 2025

This one-day conference takes an in-depth look at different DEI topics and the way they play out in our individual institutions.

Harvard-Westlake Middle School Campus

Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (SLIDE) Leadership Development Program (LDP)

SLIDE LDP is a three-day/two-night residential program for students in grades 10-12 from all school types to gather for fellowship, leadership development, courageous conversations, and the creation of a sustainable action plan around topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.

Harvard-Westlake Middle School Campus

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