The Diversity Office. Many see it as a place only for minorities. Some think the office is not a part of this educational organization as a whole. Some people fear their inability to connect with the struggles of a minority student in a private school, so they question the need for a space such as this one.

If one asked Director of Diversity Barbara Henderson about this tainted view of the Diversity Office, she would disagree. In fact, she believes that this office is, “one of the many spaces on campus where all kids can feel safe and welcome.”

An excerpt of the office’s mission statement reads, “to help foster a commitment from the Bellarmine community to embrace and celebrate the diversity of the school’s family and the broader community by providing opportunities to experience cultural differences.”

In order to foster this commitment, students of color had to first feel welcome and comfortable. Through the creation of the Diversity Office in 1996, Bellarmine did just that.

Twenty years ago, the impetus for the Diversity Office was Loyola Marymount University professor Fr. Shane Martin, S.J.’s report which found that African American and Latino students had a very different and marginalized (or underrepresented and isolated) experience at Jesuit high schools. Bellarmine raised funds to support an office which provided a cocoon of support for students of color.

Fast forward to 2016. A St. Peter’s Prep teacher, Dr. Jane Bleasdale researched at Fordham University. Her report, “Moving from Tolerance to Inclusion: A Matter of Justice,” indicated that there is still need for support for these students.

In addition to providing a safe environment for students, the office also supplies the tools to perform well in school, including books, food, supplies, etc., depending on the need of the student.

Some people may disagree with the notion of having a diversity office, saying that its ideas are not fair to all students, that everyone should receive an equal opportunity to find help. That is when Henderson would provide the simple explanation of “equality vs equity.”

Equality is simply defined as sameness, where everyone receives the same help.

“The definition of equality has to be expanded,” explained Henderson. “Not everyone needs the same care; some are more in need than others. Equity is all about fairness.”

Campus Minister Jim Fish’s comments also aligned with this idea of equity. “A lot of people have no idea what it’s like to be an African American who may feel like he/she doesn’t want to be here when he or she first arrives.”

Luckily, through the work of the Diversity Office and the welcoming Bellarmine community, this problem can be solved.

However, these problems still exist to an extent in current society, and Henderson would agree. Senior Tessa Arens, an outreach worker for the Diversity Office, talked about the space as a place where “people are accepting and can be themselves.” In terms of solving these problems, Arens said, “there needs to be more dialogue about racial issues in the classrooms.”

Next year there will be a revision of the office title. The Diversity Office will now be known as the “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Center,” explained Henderson

She continues, “Diversity is numbers and demographics; equity is the goal; inclusion is the practice. It is inclusive. Inclusion expands beyond race. We invite and welcome students from public, private and parochial schools, even those homeschooled, Catholic or not. We welcome all to our community.”

In an increasingly changing and diverse society, Bellarmine strives to engage in healthy dialogue and even action steps. Bellarmine’s commitment to inclusion statement in the student handbook implores that, “students must find in their school community a commitment to the Gospel call to move beyond prejudice to a reverence for each person.”

Henderson further explains issues surrounding the concept of diversity. “We do not want to define diversity too narrowly. There is a paradox in recognizing diversity. Some say we should treat everyone the same and not see color or differences. According to studies, the colorblind narrative is outdated. We do not live in post-racial America where race is not an issue. In fact, race is one of the most contentious issues of our time.”

Henderson made sure to mention that the office’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond race – that all students, regardless of background, are welcome.

And, so, with that, the new name of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Center in the school’s new Connelly Campus Center this fall will be truly fitting.

A benefactor recognizes the importance of the school’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts. This philanthropist will match any gifts made to this cause by June 30. Donors can visit www.bellarmineprep.org/giving/, go to “Donate Now” and indicate designation as “Diversity and Inclusion.”