Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director Debario Fleming and DEI Coordinator Elena Young discuss the impact of SDLC and PoCC on students at Field.
Each year, we take a contingency of students and faculty to The People of Color Conference (PoCC ) for faculty and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) for students in independent schools. PoCC is the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and sustainability for independent schools. SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders that focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community. These conferences offer essential opportunities for rejuvenation and inspiration while reaffirming our dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community at Field.
As the Field delegation of students and faculty members ventured to St. Louis, Missouri, they embarked on a journey of personal growth, connection, transformational joy, resilience, and brilliance. The themes of both conferences—each a call to action—echoed through the halls, inviting us to “bend the arc toward justice, to navigate gateways to freedom, and to weave confluences of truth, knowledge, joy, and power.”
Through Their Eyes: Student Reflection
The reflections from our students who attended the SDLC are windows into their souls, revealing the impact of their experiences. Seth ‘25 shared, "SDLC had a fairly profound impact on me," highlighting a renewed belief in the possibility of meaningful dialogue. Jaedyn ‘25 spoke of a shift toward “kindness and less judgment, a testament to the transformative power of vulnerability.”
These narratives, each unique yet universally resonant, underscore the profound shifts in perspective that SDLC and PoCC facilitate. They remind us that the journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just about policies and programs but about people, relationships, and the continuous evolution of our collective consciousness.
The Ripple Effect: Catalyzing Change
As we weave the insights and experiences from SDLC and PoCC into the fabric of our school culture, we know the importance of creating spaces where every voice is heard and valued. This journey is not linear; it is a spiral of learning, unlearning, and relearning—a process that challenges us to grow in empathy, understanding, and collective joy.
In this ongoing endeavor, we are guided by a simple yet profound question: How do we create and nurture opportunities for every community member to share their stories, celebrate their identities, and affirm their belonging? The answer lies not in grand gestures but in the everyday moments of connection, in the spaces we create for dialogue and deep connection while fostering a commitment to togetherness, centering grace, curiosity, and solidarity.
Kai ‘25 spoke to the broadened perspectives gained, "I've tried to keep a more open mindset when it comes to learning new topics and hearing different opinions... I want to do more advisory lessons and presentations and take up more leadership positions within the school."
Joseph ‘25 highlighted the confidence and educational impact, saying, "I feel a lot more confident at school, being able to branch out and socialize with more than the people I feel comfortable with... educating those misinformed about my identities in a respectful and understanding manner."
As educators, we value bringing students and faculty into the conversation. We have seen firsthand and understand the profound impact of this experience on our students and the growth and trajectory we gain as educators. What we walk away with is instrumental in our professional development and in helping us feel a sense of connectedness among our colleagues and pathways for DEI to be woven into the fabric of our community and curriculum.
