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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

SASA Host a Chai Taste Test

SASA Host a Chai Taste Test

January 22, 2025

Recently, middle school South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) hosted a chai taste test, comparing homemade chai to the Starbucks variety. Chai is a way of life in India. Almost everywhere you go—in trains, at street vendors, in sari shops, in households—you will see people enjoying the sweet, spicy, milky beverage. Chai is not a flavor of tea; it is tea—chai literally translates to "tea" in Hindi. India is not only one of the largest producers of tea in the world, but also one of the biggest consumers of it. Most kids in India has grown up having Parle-G biscuits (which has been around since 1939) with their chai, so SASA leaders made sure everyone had a few to dip in their tea to have a truly authentic experience.  

Harvard-Westlake & AACC Celebrate Lunar New Year

Harvard-Westlake & AACC Celebrate Lunar New Year

January 21, 2025

The Lunar New Year is the oldest and most important holiday in China, and it’s also celebrated in countries like Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The holiday, also known as the Spring Festival, celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of a fresh year based on the lunisolar calendar. Recently, in preparation for the Lunar New Year celebration at the middle school, AACC (Asian American Culture Club) members created traditional paper crafts to welcome the Year of the Snake, 2025. Though the snake may feared across many Western cultures, the animal is actually a revered sign across the Eastern hemisphere. Its year is expected to be one of positive transformation as people "slither" into new beginnings. The snake is an auspicious sign for inner work, shedding the ego, letting go of the past, and letting go of anger and negativity. Happy New Year!

Winterfest

Winterfest

December 18, 2024

Winterfest is an annual variety show presented by SLIDE, Prefect Council, and Performing Arts, highlighting the diversity of winter holidays celebrated in our community. This year’s Winterfest began with the SLIDE Co-Chairs poetically and energetically inviting our mascot Buddy the Wolverine to check out affinity groups and musical performances to feel the warmth of the winter spirit here at HW. Armenian Club and Christian Club shared about Christmas, Jewish Club and MESA presented about Hanukkah, BLACC shared the meaning of Kwanzaa, LAHSO interviewed Latinx/Hispanic students and staff about holiday traditions, and SASA wished everyone a belated Diwali. Jazz Explorers, Jazz Singers, and Chamber Orchestra graced the audience with live music, while a Faculty Carpool Karaoke video, a cameo from Bari LeBari, and a mechanical bull dressed as a reindeer brought joy and laughter to the crowd.

Jewish Club Dreidel Competition & Channukah Celebration

Jewish Club Dreidel Competition & Channukah Celebration

December 18, 2024

The Jewish Club hosted a festive Hanukkah celebration filled with joy and tradition. The event featured a lively dreidel competition complete with match-up brackets and an exciting finish. Attendees enjoyed traditional holiday foods, including homemade latkes (potato pancakes) and sweet sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), while participating in songs and a fun Blooket game. The room was packed with Jewish Club members and friends, coming together to honor Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates the miracle of light and resilience, symbolized by the lighting of the menorah.

Empower guest speaker: Desiree Gruber

Empower guest speaker: Desiree Gruber

December 17, 2024

Upper School women’s empowerment group Empower hosted TV producer, entrepreneur, and HW parent Desiree Gruber during Lunch with donuts provided. Gruber co-founded the Project Runway television series and DGNL Venture Fund and founded her own production company, Full Picture, to help uplift women's voices in the media. Desiree spoke with club members about her incredible career and her experience as a woman in Hollywood, finance, and technology.

Black Girl Magic Retreat

Black Girl Magic Retreat

December 11, 2024

Harvard-Westlake hosted the second annual Black Girl Magic Retreat on December 11th, bringing together Black girls from across the school for a day of celebration, empowerment, and connection. The retreat featured engaging workshops and moments of relaxation and rejuvenation with WalkGood LA, a Black & Brown-led wellness organization. WalkGood leaders Ivy & Coco guided the girls through sound baths, meditation, and yoga sessions while Harvard-Westlake’s Visual Arts teacher, Ms. Cook, led the creation of cyanotype affirmation cards. The event fostered a sense of community and self-empowerment, leaving students feeling inspired and connected.

AACC Hosted Two Winter Themed Meetings

AACC Hosted Two Winter Themed Meetings

December 11, 2024

Recently, the middle school Asian American Culture Club (AACC) hosted two winter-themed gatherings: “Holiday Karaoke” and “Winter Wellness”. Knowing that this time of the year for students brings both joy and stress--midterms and papers, the AACC leaders wanted to bring both fun singalongs and self-care (face masks, hot tea, and treats) to the community.

Junior Fellowship Presentations about Jazz in New Orleans and Korean Pottery

Junior Fellowship Presentations about Jazz in New Orleans and Korean Pottery

December 10, 2024

During our US Faculty/Staff meeting two seniors presented about their Junior Fellowships from Summer 2024. Jazz saxophonist Sam Cleland '25 traveled to New Orleans to study the African American origins of Jazz, conducting courageous conversations with musicians, scholars, and community members, and exploring the line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Ceramicist and sculpture artist Ashley Ham '25 traveled to Korean and learned the traditional craft of making Onggi pottery, very large ceramics storage jars, from a Korean potter and teacher.

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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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