Speaking Up for Greater Inclusion and Equity

Last month, a dozen NCS students and faculty members took part in conferences in Tampa, FL, where more than 5,000 people gathered to discuss more equitable, inclusive, and diverse environments in independent schools.

Six Upper School students -- Andrea Escoto ’18, Niambi Klugh ’18, Kaday Kamara ’18, Zahra Thabet ’18, Maya Millward ’17, and Caroline Blanton ’17 -- represented NCS at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, which calls student leaders from around the country. Over two days, they engaged in intense training and self-exploration to prepare them to be better leaders and advocates for issues of diversity and social justice.

Blanton said the experience "not only connected me to a ton of interesting people with perspectives and ideas I'd never considered, but it also gave me a sense of belonging ... and a feeling of validation in my identity that I've never felt before." Another student said, “It truly was a phenomenally life-changing experience for me. I've never felt a greater sense of self-affirmation and acceptance,” while a third commented that the conference “was an amazing experience where I met so many inspirational people, each with their own unique stories. It taught me how to hold my head high and speak my mind in a society that encourages people like me to keep quiet.”

The students were accompanied by NCS Director of Admission and Financial Aid Wendy Wilkinson, Director of Community Service Nadirah Moreland, and teachers Daniela Bailey (Social Science), Natasha Crawford (Mathematics), and Candace Vaccarella (Mathematics). Rachael Flores, director of diversity and multicultural education, serves on the SDLC faculty and led workshops for students while at the conference.

The NCS faculty members also participated in the People of Color Conference (PoCC), occuring simultaneously, where a broad community of educators explored issues involving equity and justice and discussed best practices at independent schools. Inspired by speakers such as Gyasi Ross, Mae Jamieson, Howard Stephenson, and Sarah Kay, the NCS educators returned to the Close committed to continue the work begun at the conference.

The National Association for Independent Schools sponsors both conferences, which will be held next December in Atlanta. This spring, Upper School students will apply for the opportunity to attend.