Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
For the sake of peace, I try to put myself in their place and only judge them by looking through their spectacles."
- Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, Foundress
Guided by the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools and rooted in Catholic faith, Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr (SHA) fosters a community that acts in the interests of equity* and justice, celebrates the experience of each student, and demonstrates compassion for all. We welcome students of all faiths and beliefs.
We aspire to nurture students who embrace their and others' inherent value as human beings created in the image and likeness of God.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is played out in curricular and extracurricular opportunities for students, in all divisions, and in the form of SHA Dialogue.
Educational equity is ensuring that every student gets what they need. Nothing about a student's identity, ability, or background should impact their access to programs and resources, their care and treatment, or their opportunities to learn. This aligns with the Sacred Heart Goals & Criteria.
Forming Alliances: Exploring Our Similarities and Differences
Members of BSU Hosts Student-Run Conference
In April 2023, members of SHA's Black Student Union hosted its first diversity conference focused on developing an understanding of and respect for one another. The conference, titled Forming Alliances: Exploring Our Similarities and Differences involved workshops with conversations surrounding diversity and understanding the significance of building an inclusive environment. Jene Elzie, a New York business executive and keynote speaker for the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, addressed the audience and shared insights and practices to form alliances. Students also participated in a Cross the Line activity
DEI&B Programming
No Place for Hate Designation
SHA is a No Place for Hate school, accredited by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). A committee of students, faculty, administrators, board members, and parents completed the year-long requirements for accreditation, focused on enhancing students' understanding of diversity, bias, social justice, and inclusion with the goal of fostering a community of equity and harmony.
The Upper School Black Student Union (BSU; pictured) gathers to share their voices while discussing culture, identity, and Black history and present at assemblies on issues including diversity, Black History Month, and their experiences at local DEI&B events. The Middle School BSU shares the same mission and meets separately.
Social Awareness & Action
Students engage in direct service, advocacy, outreach, and partnerships to work for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation under the guidance of the Community Service Corp (CSC). All-School programming, which include faculty and staff, bolster SHA's commitment to service and compassion for all mankind. Read more about the SHA Social Awareness & Action program.
School-wide programs and cultural field trips add depth to the curriculum and spotlight diverse cultures. Students participate in on-campus activities as well as conferences and off-campus activities to promote an understanding and awareness of diverse cultures.
Let Us Pray
"Social life is made by human beings. The society we live in is the outcome of human choices and decisions. This means that human beings can change things. What humans break, divide, and separate, we can — with God's help — also heal, unite, and restore."
- Except from Father Bryan N. Massingale's book "Racial Justice and the Catholic Church", which examines the history of racism in the United States and the efforts of the Catholic Church to eradicate racism and promote reconciliation and justice.
Contact:
Symone James Abiola
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB)
610-527-3915
