Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Loyola Blakefield
Creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion is the responsibility of the entire school community. At Loyola Blakefield, our dedication to academic excellence and to educate men to serve others is inseparable from our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It is at the root of our mission to ensure that each member of our community has full opportunity to thrive in our environment.
Student Engagement Retreats and Conferences Loyola students participate in their own version of professional development through retreats and conferences sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry and Diversity Equity and Inclusion. The Neighbor’s Retreat This experience serves to create a space for students to explore spiritually and socially how can we respond as people of faith to racial injustice in all its forms.
Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference
Maryland Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Conference
Sponsored by AIMS, our students have an opportunity to collaborate with their peers across the Baltimore/DC Region on ways in which they can make the world around them a better place for everyone.
Hosted by Loyola in 2022, the conference annually welcomes over 150 student participants from over 20 schools across the state, who come together for a day of discussion about their experiences of being Asian Americans.
Affinity Groups & Clubs At Loyola, we know that young men crave two things: affinity and affiliation. Our Affinity groups (listed below) are designed to offer our Dons a space to come together and share in their common interests, backgrounds, and experiences. • Black Student Union • Asian American/Pacific Islander Affinity Group • Hispanic Affinity Group Through the Clubs and Activities Program, the Multicultural Club offers a space for all students to come together and share their experiences and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of all students on Loyola’s campus.
Fischer Program The Fischer Program is a tuition-free summer program for highly motivated middle school-age students of color from Baltimore City and County. Scholars engage in a five or three year summer program that focuses on preparing students for schools like Loyola Blakefield.
Community Engagement
Community Gatherings Loyola believes in engaging the whole family as a student embarks on his journey. It is through events such as our People of Color Check-In Nights, People of Color Dinner, and our Multicultural Festival that families can come together to join in discussion and fellowship as bonds are formed.
School Partnerships We frequently partner with other schools on diversity and inclusion initiatives in order to give our students an opportunity to collaborate and effect change with others. • Black Student Union Roundtable with Notre Dame Prep • Maryland Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Conference with Bryn Mawr, Gilman, Maryvale, and Calvert Hall
Fostering a Community for Everyone
Professional Development Each year, Loyola has a group of faculty and staff members participate numerous professional development initiatives and conferences centered around topics within Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Highlighted amongst those is the People of Color Conference. POCC is a safe space for educators of all backgrounds to come together with a focus of advancing the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate at schools.
African-American Recognition Project – Black, Blue, and Gold This exhibit was designed to celebrate and preserve the impact and legacy of our many African American alumni. It will continue to grow and develop in size and scope over the years, showcasing the extraordinary and enduring contributions made by Loyola’s Black alumni, thus enriching our school community through the lens of their shared experience and impact on the institution.
Academic Programs and Review As the Offices of Ignatian Mission and Identity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion collaborate with our academic team, students are now afforded the opportunity to receive a certificate in Service and Justice, as well as Global-mindedness, Diversity, and Inclusion. Our academic team has also created a Diversity in the Curriculum committee that works closely with teachers and department chairs to review student resources in an effort to make sure there is representation across all subject areas.
Policy Against Racism In recognition of the continued local and national call for transparency, guidance, and accountability – Loyola Blakefield adopted a policy that clearly states what is not acceptable regarding behavior of racial and ethnic discrimination or harm. In line with our Jesuit mission and principles, this policy was developed in conjunction with students, faculty/staff, and community members.