Rooted in an understanding of early adolescence, our DEIJ work reflects the developmental needs of middle school learners—supporting their growing capacity for empathy and critical thinking. DEIJ programming at The Bishop's School is thoughtfully integrated into advisory, well-being blocks and chapel. We strive to provide age-appropriate opportunities for reflection, connection and shared learning. Through DEIJ experiences, students explore diverse perspectives, build community and deepen their sense of belonging across grade levels.

Some examples of middle school DEIJ programming include: 

• Monthly DEIJ moments facilitated in advisory 
• Lunch & Learn educational series 
• The Butterfly Project and Holocaust speakers
• History and Heritage month celebrations 
• Affinity and alliance groups, such as Female Empowerment Meetings and Everyone's Group for Gender and Sexuality

DEIJ programming occurs during advisory, throughout the academic curriculum, in the well-being block and chapel.  

Opportunities for students to engage further include: 

• Affinity Spaces
• Conferences

  • RSDS

  • Slide Leadership Development Program

  • NAIS SDLC

  • National Student Leadership Diversity Convention

  • Pollyanna 

• Community Events

  • AIDS Walk

  • ADL Walk Against Hate

  • San Diego Pride Youth Programming

• Documentary and movie outings with discussion 
  • Black Panther
  • The Problem with Apu
  • I Am Not Your Negro
  • The Unafraid

Guided by the Episcopal commitments to “love our neighbors as ourselves,” “to respect the dignity of every human being” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people,” the chapel program affirms, celebrates and honors the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.

Chapel is a safe and sacred space where students are seen, heard and embraced for who they are, how they identify and what they believe. Students of different faiths regularly share their religious traditions, values and holy days, and affinity group members speak about their identities, culture and experiences as Black, Asian, Latinx, Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Inspired by our founders' commitment to social justice, chapel is also a space where students are invited to explore social justice issues through the lens of compassion and humility, and consider how they can use the gift of their education to work for justice and a more equitable society.

Bishop's faculty and staff participate in professional growth opportunities on and off campus that deepen their understanding of equity, inclusion, justice, social-emotional learning and the cultural experiences of our students and colleagues. Our colleagues listen to one another, ask questions, and show up as their authentic selves everyday, encouraging a sense of belonging we strive for among our students.

Faculty/Staff Workshops Attended: 

• NAIS People of Color Conference
• CATDC: Teaching While White
• CATDC: Equity as Excellence
• CATDC: Racial Affinity Group Seminar
• CATDC: Bringing our Full Selves to the Work of Being White Anti-Racists
• White Privilege Conference, Youth Action Project 
• CATDC: A Mindful Approach to Whiteness
• CATDC: Becoming a Diversity Responsive School
• Carney Sandoe Diversity Forum 

We hope students and employees navigate difficult conversations and engage in thoughtful discussion about the world they will inherit, following our Respectful Dialogue Practices:

• Learn From Others. I understand that the presence and participation of individuals from multiple identities enriches conversations throughout the Bishop's community.

• Engage Respectfully. I know the importance of maintaining respect for people who act or think differently from me.

• Embrace Viewpoints. I value including different viewpoints because this enhances the interplay of ideas and can improve our understanding of enduring questions. 

• Respect the Individual. I listen attentively to others and engage with their ideas, recognizing each person as an individual rather than as a representative of a group.

• Trust Bravely. I understand that sharing ideas is a vulnerable act, and I respect the privacy of those who share openly with me, as I share openly with them.

• Take Positions Humbly. I approach conversations knowing that my experiences shape a significant portion of my worldview, that others may have experiences different from my own. I speak solely from my own perspective. I will honor what I hear.

• Pursue Growth. I understand that nobody is infallible, and I respect our ability to grow, change our minds and learn together.