SIR JOHN DEANE’S BRINGS CHAMPIONS DIVERSITY WITH ITS DIVERSITAS GROUP An interview with the SJD Diversity Lead Dana Brown Written by Alice Edgar "What is Diversitas?"
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he Diversitas committee is for any students interested in celebrating and learning about diversity in society. We discuss the experiences of our students and staff or research movements in the wider world.
learn about the contributions of black people in our society which is not always highlighted by the curriculum nationally.
The college widely has actively taken an anti-racist stance by mirroring in the curriculum the celebration of black people’s contribution to different subjects. "What areas do you discuss?" In addition, there was a celebration board for black history month We look at topics such as race, in the library showing individual religion, immigration, conflicts, contribution made by the Diversitas celebrations and memorial. The committee’s efforts to support unity committee is also a force for and truly celebrate with each other. change representing student views We had poster reminders on the and supporting each other, making street for our college wide event of the college more aware of things showing racism the red card. that matter to students. This was incredibly moving, created conversations about diversity and "How has Diversitas impacted inclusion and importantly showed college life and how has the students how we are all allies and college celebrated diversity?" supporters of equality and mutual respect. It is incredibly important Diversitas has definitely impacted as it has been done in light of college life, it has made links to the current issues surrounding racism wider curriculum by celebrating both displayed in the media and in diversity such as research into society at large. Black history month and our college wide campaign of anti"What can staff and students do racism. to contribute to Diversitas?" "How have students gotten involved in Diversitas?"
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Students and staff have a personal responsibility for each other’s wellbeing. Whether through The committee’s involvement in understanding and respecting each the video is an inspiring display other we encourage all students of student voices and experience to be curious and responsible in but also a legacy of dedication to their approach to seeking answers promoting equality across college. about the diversity of others and feel confident that they can challenge "What is the importance of stereotypes and create inclusion for Black History month?" all.
but also interlinked with the college's Interfaith, history and charity society, along side ‘Crafternoon Club’. For example, one week, students created a storyboard and decoration for Hanukkah to highlight other faiths towards this time of year.
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The importance of black history month is that it has allowed us to celebrate, acknowledge, and
Diversity is being represented not only by the Diversitas committee but also interlinked with work in
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