Equity and Inclusion

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• What happens in affinity groups?

  What happens in different groups will vary but most groups find ways to share experiences, discuss problems, and support one another. Many groups will ask different members to lead discussions and participate in exercises around identity development and self-reflection. At times groups may engage in educational opportunities to learn more about their shared identity—this may include a group read, a guest speaker, and group trips. Additionally, some groups may choose to educate the community on particular customs or celebrations throughout the year.

• What is an affinity group at St. Luke’s School?

  Affinity groups, in contrast to clubs, are formed to support groups that are or might be marginalized at St. Luke’s due to being in the minority or historically under-represented school population. They are brave spaces that provide stimulating opportunity, during school hours, for students in underrepresented groups to support and validate each other, to express themselves, and to understand the shared values that unite them with the entire school community.

  
  

  Connection through affinity groups is one way we can support all community members in their desires to bring their whole, authentic selves to school.

• Can I participate in more than one affinity group?

  Yes. It is entirely possible for people to identify with more than one group and there is no need to limit participation if your schedule allows multiple commitments.

• Shouldn’t we have dialogues about our differences all together rather than in separate groups?

  There are many opportunities for members of the St. Luke’s community to have dialogue across differences--indeed, these conversations happen both formally and informally every day. Affinity spaces work toward the same goal of intergroup dialogue and understanding but from a different angle. The language of “windows and mirrors” can be helpful here. Conversations across differences can provide windows for each of us into another person’s experience and identity. Conversations in affinity spaces can provide a mirror, a chance for a person in an underrepresented or marginalized group to remember that they are not alone. The group can be a space for members to engage in conversation without needing to explain everything in a way that translates their experiences. We all know how good it feels to be understood. Of course, sharing a single identity--such as race--does not mean every member of that affinity group will think or feel the same way; and similarly, we can find “mirrors” with people who are quite different from us. Ultimately, being part of an affinity group can give a person with a marginalized identity the support and strength needed to engage more fully with intergroup dialogue.

• I already know what it means to be xxx. Could I hear what the yyy folks are saying?

  People from marginalized groups have historically been asked to bear the burden - and the frustration - of being expected to “teach” majority folks what we don’t know (but could learn ourselves), or to represent an entire community’s perspective (rather than just their own). A key function of affinity groups is to lift those burdens, freeing up time and energy that might otherwise need to be spent on bridging understandings to experiences that are not commonly shared, or that might be artificially limited for fear of offending or misunderstanding. If you’re looking for a way to understand another’s experience, our recommendation is to build genuine relationships and ask questions from a place of humble curiosity.

• What are the benefits of affinity groups?

  We believe Affinity Groups advance our mission by helping to create an environment where everyone feels supported and able to thrive. The support offered by these groups can improve the St. Luke’s experience and encourage students and adults to become empathetic, confident leaders. 

  
  

  Affinity groups promote diversity and inclusion by creating spaces—free of judgement and constriction— for members to connect, share experiences and resources, and identify successes and challenges. This connection can be powerful and comforting. All of us can relate to how important it is to feel we are not alone; there are others who understand how we experience school and the world. 

  
  

  According to the National Association of Independent Schools: “As a learning base, affinity groups offer affirmation of identity, empowerment of the individual, and empowerment of the group within the learning community — all things worth fighting for.”

  
  

  Research indicates that affinity groups are important for the health and sustainability of organizations. Many educational institutions, as well as corporations,  utilize affinity groups (often called Employee Resource Groups in corporate settings) to improve communication, relationships, and collaboration with a diverse group of people. Below are a few recent articles on this topic.
  
  

  Making Space: Affinity groups offer a platform for voices often relegated to the margins. - Teaching Tolerance 

  How Racial Affinity Groups Saved My Life - NAIS

  From Inclusion to Support: How To Build a Better Workplace - The New York Times

  Employee Resource Groups: Valuable to Organizations - Forbes

  The Hidden Power of Employee Resource Groups - CNN Business

  Dealing with Imposter Syndrome When You Are Treated As An Imposter - The New York Times

   

   

• I am a member of a so-called privileged group. Are there affinity groups for me?

  The purpose of affinity groups is to provide opportunities to people who share identities that are typically marginalized in society for affirmation and exploration of that identity in a uniquely supportive space. Those who possess majority identifiers are provided with opportunities for affirmation, celebration, and belonging on a regular basis, without really having to look for it. Accordingly, St. Luke’s doesn’t have affinity groups for those identifiers, yet we have many opportunities to join groups that explore similar questions of equity & inclusion: e.g., Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA), White Educators Against Racism Everywhere (WE ARE), SLS READS, and White Students for Equity, to name a few. 

   

• Shouldn’t we focus on our similarities and not our differences?

  At St. Luke’s School we think expansively about our community welcome differences as a strength. We recognize and value the different heritages, experiences, and cultures that our families bring to our community and we strive to be fully inclusive. Attempts to minimize differences and say, “we’re all the same” devalues others and can send the message that diversity is something to be ashamed of. Affinity groups serve an important role in a diverse community as they allow people from underrepresented groups to receive support from those who share their identity.