Sir John Deane’s commitment to diversity

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?"

The 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.

"What areas do you discuss?"

We look at topics such as race, religion, immigration, conflicts, celebrations and memorial. The committee is also a force for change representing student views and supporting each other, making the college more aware of things that matter to students.

"How has Diversitas impacted college life and how has the college celebrated diversity?"

Diversitas has definitely impacted college life, it has made links to the wider curriculum by celebrating diversity such as research into Black history month and our college wide campaign of antiracism. "What can staff and students do to contribute to Diversitas?"

"How have students gotten involved in Diversitas?"

The committee’s involvement in the video is an inspiring display of student voices and experience but also a legacy of dedication to promoting equality across college.

"What is the importance of Black History month?" Students and staff have a personal responsibility for each other’s wellbeing. Whether through understanding and respecting each other we encourage all students to be curious and responsible in their approach to seeking answers about the diversity of others and feel confident that they can challenge stereotypes and create inclusion for 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.

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. In addition, there was a celebration board for black history month in the library showing individual contribution made by the Diversitas committee’s efforts to support unity and truly celebrate with each other. We had poster reminders on the street for our college wide event of showing racism the red card.

This was incredibly moving, created conversations about diversity and inclusion and importantly showed students how we are all allies and supporters of equality and mutual respect. It is incredibly important as it has been done in light of current issues surrounding racism both displayed in the media and in society at large.

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OCTOBER 2021 BLACK HISTORY MONTH