Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of educational excellence, with research demonstrating that the presence of these values in educational experiences improves critical thinking and cognitive skills. To that end, Harvard-Westlake is dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community is celebrated, valued, and included. Our multifaceted efforts extend through affinity groups and leadership councils for students, parents, and alumni; regular professional development for faculty and staff; a wide array of assemblies and field trips; our annual Pollyanna Conference for area independent schools; and the annual Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair, which HW has hosted for many years. These initiatives reach students, alumni, faculty and staff, parents, and the broader Los Angeles community. We recognize that becoming a truly diverse and inclusive community is an ongoing commitment, requiring empathy, openness, and the courage to engage in difficult—and sometimes challenging—conversations.
175+ zip codes students from
62 % languages spoken at home 65+
identify as students of color
Diversity: Embracing a range of cultures and human characteristics used to recognize individual and group identities. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, ethnicity, race, national origin, age, personality, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, religion, ability, and linguistic preference. A diverse community also embraces diversity of thought and different ways of knowing, being, and doing.
Equity: Ensuring that every individual has what they need to participate in community life and reach their full potential. Equitable treatment strives to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation and make essential programs, services, activities, and technologies accessible to all. Equity is not equality, and equal outcomes are not the goal of equity.
Inclusion: Taking each person’s experience and identity into account and creating conditions where everyone feels accepted, safe, empowered, supported, and affirmed. An inclusive community cultivates a sense of belonging for every member and gives everyone a voice.
Harvard-Westlake aims to address diversity, equity, and inclusion from three perspectives: the student experience, faculty and staff experience, and culture and impact.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE AND CURRICULUM
“ Wellness starts with belonging. When every part of our school values diversity, equity, and inclusion, it means every student feels respected, understood, and safe to be themselves. That’s what helps us grow, connect, and truly thrive.”
Marci Reichert, Director of Wellness
Wellness Center
Designed to be a safe, welcoming space, the Wellness Center provides a calm environment for students to recharge, seek counseling, or connect with wellness resources. Whether students need a quiet moment, someone to talk to, or guidance navigating personal challenges, the Wellness Center promotes empathy and belonging for everyone.
Financial Aid
Harvard-Westlake offers a robust financial aid program to attract and enroll the best students in Los Angeles, regardless of socioeconomic background. Our financial aid program supports not just tuition, but the entire student experience—enabling every student to participate fully in school life and feel a true sense of belonging.
20 %
of students receive financial aid, including support for:
• books and course-related materials
• required athletic team uniforms and equipment
• school-related trips
• other necessary items from the bookstore and cafeteria
Learning Center
Working closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators, the Learning Center seeks to ensure a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with a range of learning strengths and needs.
Conferences and Workshops
Harvard-Westlake encourages students to participate in conferences and workshops beyond our school, connecting with other students and educators who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“ The Student Diversity Leadership Conference reminded me of the power of shared stories. Sitting in a room full of students who looked like me and many who didn’t, I saw how identity shapes every part of how we go into the world. I came back with a deeper appreciation for how much our school does prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion and how lucky we are to have affinity groups and student-led events. But I also came back with questions: How can we push our environment and culture further? How do we move from conversation to action? And how do we extend our reach beyond the gates of HW? I’m excited to bring that energy into my role as a leader on campus.”
Samaya, Class of 2026, Co-Leader of South Asian Student Alliance (SASA)
Curriculum
Our courses celebrate independent thinking and diversity, encouraging students to discover both themselves and the world around them.
Student Affinity Groups
Affinity groups bring people together to learn about and celebrate a specific identity, whether race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. At Harvard-Westlake, we pride ourselves on the fact that all of our groups are open to all interested members of our community.
more than %
50 of students belong to a student affinity group
first campus affinity group founded:
1986
(blacc: black leadership awareness and culture club)
“Organizations like BLACC [Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club] are a place to feel seen and share experiences that only those in your affinity group can truly understand. When an individual’s core is fully charged, they feel welcomed and recognized for who they are and empowered within the broader HW community.”
Tarlin, Class of 1992
Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (SLIDE)
SLIDE is comprised of the leaders of our student affinity groups and works to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion is present in all aspects of the HW community. SLIDE members collaborate on events, including the annual multicultural fairs, and support one another. At the upper school, SLIDE meets as a course, discussing and encouraging allyship and cross-cultural understanding, collaborating with the Prefect Council and administration, and hosting all-community events.
Community Concern Reporter
Harvard-Westlake is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community by valuing diverse experiences and perspectives. The school promotes respect and civil discourse, encouraging students to report incidents of concern through the Community Concern Reporter. This tool is for student interactions and aims to address identity-based incidents, promoting accountability and personal growth. The goal is to create a school climate that discourages bias and ensures everyone feels a sense of belonging. The reporting process also provides support for those harmed and encourages learning for those responsible for harm.
Civil Rights Trip
Students and teachers travel to see where Rosa Parks boarded the bus that kicked off the Civil Rights Movement, stand in the basement of a house on the underground railroad, learn about the history of lynching at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, sit in the church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached, and see where he was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel.
“One of the most memorable moments from the Civil Rights trip was visiting the house that Martin Luther King Jr. and the Freedom Riders used as their headquarters. The house was left just as it was, and the visit really brought home the importance of the battle fought by all those who came before us.”
Cole, Class of 2027
FACULTY AND STAFF EXPERIENCE
Professional Development
Harvard-Westlake provides funding for faculty and staff who seek professional development related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Faculty and staff attend conferences and workshops all over the country, connecting with and learning from educators who share our commitment to these critical values.
Wellness and Belonging Collaborative
Our Wellness and Belonging Collaborative consists of faculty and staff members who work together to foster wellness, belonging, and inclusion across our school community. WBC members meet regularly throughout the year, engaging in ongoing personal growth and professional learning to better support the school’s commitment to addressing racism, bias, wellness, and inequity. Their work includes self-reflection, exploration of evidence-based practices, and supporting their departmental colleagues in integrating the school’s mission and values into everyday practices, policies, and interactions.
Employee Affinity Groups
Employee affinity groups help our faculty and staff find a sense of belonging, continue to build awareness of culture and identity, and contribute to the culture of inclusivity among faculty and staff.
“Being part of diversity, equity, and inclusion work at HW has shown me the importance of supporting one another across lines of difference. The Jewish affinity group is just one part of a vibrant ecosystem of affinity spaces, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be when we show up for each other across cultures, religions, races, and identities. True inclusion means listening, learning, and standing in solidarity, and I’m proud to be part of a community that continues to grow in that work.”
Sarah Rapaport, Coordinator of Jewish Life and Community Engagement
Departmental Plans and Curriculum
All departments at Harvard-Westlake have diversity, equity, and inclusion plans. These plans are a key tool for faculty and staff to put our mission of “striving to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of excellence” into action.
“ Teaching math through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion promotes a culture that values both logical reasoning and empathy. To foster inclusion, I create a classroom environment where students feel valued beyond their grades. Everyone in the class is learning, and I emphasize that being wrong is acceptable—it’s an opportunity to learn!—but remaining wrong isn’t. If a specific approach isn’t working for a student, I try to find another way to get them to see the logic behind the problem.”
Juan
Lopez, Upper School Math Teacher
Brown Bag Lunches
During the school year, faculty and staff gather regularly to break bread together and to discuss significant topics such as neurodiversity, the model minority myth, culturally responsive teaching practices, addressing racism, sexual orientation, and gender in today’s world.
Safe Space Training
In LGBTQIA+ Safe Space Training sessions, faculty and staff learn about gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in order to better support and value LGBTQIA+ members of our community.
Respect & Belonging Training for Faculty/Staff
To build new employees’ cultural awareness and understanding, each school year begins with a two-day session led by an internationally renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion expert.
Summer Reads
Each summer, Harvard-Westlake faculty and staff engage in a community read centered around key themes of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. These shared experiences foster deeper reflection, encourage meaningful conversations, and help educators better support our students and one another throughout the school year.
CULTURE AND IMPACT
Courageous Conversations
Our students, faculty, and staff are committed to respecting differing points of view and the agreements of courageous conversations.
Parent and Alumni Affinity Groups
Parent and alumni affinity groups foster dialogue and connection. Whether gathering for cultural celebrations, sharing stories, or exploring how identity shapes the HW journey, these groups build bridges and enrich HW as a whole.
“HW Pride has given us a deeper sense of belonging in the community and allowed us to participate in our son’s journey. It’s made our time at HW more connected and meaningful. The HW experience has been transformative for our son— and it’s shaped us, too.”
Art and Yoshi Maruyama, Chairs of HW Pride
25 student affinity groups +
10 alumni and faculty/staff affinity groups +
Heritage Festival
A vibrant, multicultural celebration designed to honor and showcase the diverse cultures that enrich our community, this lively event is a feast for the senses, with the aroma of international foods wafting through the air, the sight of colorful costumes and decorations, the sound of music from different parts of the world, and the lively buzz of people enjoying the festivities. The Heritage Festival is an immersive experience that fosters understanding, appreciation, and respect for the myriad cultures that make up our community.
Diversity Recruiting Fair
Since 2019, Harvard-Westlake has hosted the Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair, which aims to introduce independent schools to numerous job candidates from underrepresented groups. Attendees also get the opportunity to learn about working in an independent school, build resume writing and interviewing skills, find out about open positions, and incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into their work.
12 parent/guardian affinity groups +
Pollyanna Conference
Every fall, Harvard-Westlake hosts this conference to explore a topic related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and share ideas and experiences that independent schools can bring back to their own communities.
“ The depth and authenticity of the conversations and the growth-oriented mindset left me feeling so inspired to continue the conversation and devote my time and energy to this work. Hearing the kids speak was enlightening, and I was touched by their courage. Being a Pollyanna of sorts myself, I believe that with hope and conversation, we can work together to make a difference.”
Laurie, Independent School Head
SLIDE Leadership Development Program
Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (SLIDE)
LDP offers a three-day residential program for high school students to gather for camaraderie, leadership development, courageous conversations, and the creation of a sustainable action plan around diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.
Addressing Racism
In the summer of 2020, in response to a forceful call to action from students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff, we set forth plans to focus on eradicating racism within and beyond Harvard-Westlake. Our plans included improving our curriculum, educating our community, strengthening our admission and hiring practices, and sharing our work and resources with other schools. In keeping with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitments, these initiatives are ongoing and ever evolving.
Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence, living and learning with integrity, and purpose beyond ourselves.
AFFINITY GROUPS
Parent/Guardian Affinity Groups
Cultural Heritage & Arts of India (CHAI)
HW Armenian Parent Group
HW Chinese Cultural Club (HWCCC)
HW French Club (HWFC)
HW Jewish Family Alliance (HWJFA)
HW Ohana
HW Pride
Iranian American Parent Affinity Group
Japanese American Affinity Group (JAG)
Korean American Parents’ Association (KAPA)
Latin American Parents’ Association (LAPA)
Parents of African American HW Students (PAAHWS)
Alumni Affinity Groups
HW African American Alumni Network (HWAAAN)
HW Alumni LGBTQIA+ Network
HW Armenian Alumni Network (HWAAN)
HW Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian/American Alumni Network (HWAPISAAN)
HW Hispanic & Latino/a Alumni Network (HW HOLA)
HW Jewish Alumni Network (HW AlumChai)
HW Korean American Alumni Network (HWKAAN)
Faculty/Staff Affinity Groups
Asian/Asian American Group
Black/African American
Jewish
Latinx
LGBTQIA+
Neurodivergent
AFFINITY GROUPS
Parent/Guardian Affinity Groups
Cultural Heritage & Arts of India (CHAI)
HW Armenian Parent Group
HW Chinese Cultural Club (HWCCC)
HW French Club (HWFC)
HW Jewish Family Alliance (HWJFA)
HW Ohana
HW Pride
Iranian American Parent Affinity Group
Japanese American Affinity Group (JAG)
Korean American Parents’ Association (KAPA)
Latin American Parents’ Association (LAPA)
Parents of African American HW Students (PAAHWS)
Alumni Affinity Groups
HW African American Alumni Network (HWAAAN)
HW Alumni LGBTQIA+ Network
HW Armenian Alumni Network (HWAAN)
HW Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian/American Alumni Network (HWAPISAAN)
HW Hispanic & Latino/a Alumni Network (HW HOLA)
HW Jewish Alumni Network (HW AlumChai)
HW Korean American Alumni Network (HWKAAN)
Faculty/Staff Affinity Groups
Asian/Asian American Group
Black/African American
Jewish
Latinx
LGBTQIA+
Neurodivergent
Janine Jones
Assistant Head of Community and Belonging | Associate Director of Admission
jjones@hw.com
Jessica McKay
Assistant Director of Admission and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
jmckay@hw.com
Luivette Resto
MS Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | English Teacher lresto@hw.com
Reb Limerick
US Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Visual Arts Teacher rlimerick@hw.com
Chelsea Heyward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist | Athletic Director cheyward@hw.com
Sakura Schmall
Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Human Resources Generalist sschmall@hw.com
Citlaly Madrid Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Assistant | Admission Administrator cmadrid@hw.com
