DEIJ is woven into the fabric of our middle school. Age-appropriate programming occurs during advisory, in class and as part of enrichments including chapel throughout the year.  The heart of DEIJ work is to create space for dialogue and shared learning throughout each grade level so our students gain a sense of belonging.

Some examples of past middle school DEIJ programming includes: 

• The Butterfly Project and Holocaust speaker
• FEM
• Diversity Club 
• Middle School GSA 

DEIJ programming occurs during advisory, throughout the academic curriculum, and as a part of our well-being block, including chapel, on- and off-campus throughout the year.  In the upper school, we hope students 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.

Opportunities for students to engage further include: 

• Weekly DEIJ series discussions
• Affinity Spaces
• Service Learning
• Conference attendance
• 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 ongoing professional growth opportunities on and off campus that deepen their understanding of equity, inclusion, social-emotional learning and the cultural experiences of our students and colleagues. We expect our colleagues to listen to one another, ask questions, and show up as their authentic selves everyday, encouraging among the faculty and staff the same senses of belonging we strive for among our students.

• Adults routinely attend regional and national conferences like the People of Color Conference, the White Privilege Conference, and programming sponsored by the California Teacher Development Collaborative and the California Association of Independent Schools.

Student Workshops Attended:

• RSDS
• NAIS SDLC
• National Student Leadership Diversity Convention
• Pollyanna 

Faculty/Staff Workshops Attended: 

• 2020-2021
  • CATDC: Teaching While White 2020
  • CATDC: Equity as Excellence 2021
  • CATDC: Racial Affinity Group Seminar 2021.
  • CATDC: Bringing our Full Selves to the Work of Being White Anti-Racists: (2021)
• 2019-2020
  • White Privilege Conference, Youth Action Project 2018, 2019
  • CATDC: A Mindful Approach to Whiteness 2020
  • CATDC: Becoming a Diversity Responsive School 2020
  • Carney Sandoe Diversity Forum