Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
At the heart of Dominican Academy’s mission lies an unwavering commitment to the sacredness of every person. This conviction drives our dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as essential elements of school life. These values align with our Four Pillars, informing how we teach, and helping us shape the character we instill in our students as they step into the world.
Study
At Dominican Academy, we understand that true progress begins with knowledge. Making just and informed decisions requires deep learning and an openness to diverse perspectives. In the classroom, course content confronts the ways society has historically and continues to privilege some while burdening others, striving to ensure fairness and understanding in all we do.
Ricci-Guangqui Young Scholars Program participants in China.
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All sophomores take AP World History, offering a view of history that is inclusive and employs critical thinking to examine the past and its modern implications.
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All juniors complete an advocacy project for the Junior Advocacy Expo, aimed at identifying areas of injustice, designing and implementing strategies to address these areas of concern, and enlisting the support of others.
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The Catholic Social Teaching and World Religion courses for seniors helps students approach all creation with compassion, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person, and fostering an understanding of our shared humanity.
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Senior English comprises a World Literature course that offers diverse perspectives from BIPOC authors.
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The Ricci-Guangqui Young Scholars Program is a for-credit course at D.A. that immerses students in Chinese culture and language, culminating in an educational trip to China and forging meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds.
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D.A. partners with Robin, an educational startup focused on wellness and nurturing connective communities, to help us reinforce our compassionate community and school culture, to incorporate DEIB curriculum into our student support network, and to enrich our family and faculty development offerings.
Community
We are called to care for and value every individual — students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumnae — honoring the unique dignity each person brings to our community. This responsibility extends to our care to all humanity and the planet itself, embracing the profound interconnectedness of our world.
The Women's Empowerment Club.
- The D.A. Students of Color Alliance (SOCA) educates students about issues related to people of color, and discusses the impact of books, scholarly journals, and other cultural touchpoints in today’s society.
- D.A.’s Women’s Empowerment Club discusses feminist topics and gender related studies, and plans activities to help bring attention to issues that impact girls and women in the United States and beyond.
- The First Generation Student Club fosters a sense of belonging and raises awareness about issues that first generation populations face.
- Rainbow Connection meets to discuss issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community and helps organize the National Day of Silence at D.A., a student-led movement that takes place throughout the U.S. to draw attention to issues surrounding bullying and harassment of the LGBTQ+ community.
- The Ecology Club presents and discusses environmental issues, problems, and possible solutions to some of the most pressing ecological topics today.
Service
Our Catholic, Dominican identity compels us to love our neighbor. This love inspires us to action that addresses the root causes of inequality, marginalization, and suffering. Charity and justice are at the heart of addressing structural conditions that create systemic inequities and marginalization, helping us to transform society.
Freshman Urban Plunge volunteers serving Project FIND Woodstock Older Adult Center.
- D.A.’s Service Learning Program, integrated into theology courses, combines direct service with education and reflection over the course of four years, empowering students to advocate for others and realize the practical applications of their classroom learning.
- Freshman Urban Plunge is a transformative experience that lets students engage D.A.’s Four Pillars by supporting local charities that serve underserved populations in New York City.
- The Sophomore Retreat Experience allows students to participate in meaningful service projects and explore how faith connects with aspects of their lives and their relationships with those in need.
Prayer
Prayer is a source of courage and strength, supporting our pursuit of justice and equity. It challenges us to confront our own shortcomings and desires while offering us a path toward healing, forgiveness, and growth. Through prayer, we seek God’s guidance to become better individuals and a more unified community.
D.A.'s delegation at the Ignatian Family Teach-In For Justice.
- The D.A. community gathers regularly for Mass at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer; students also have the opportunity to celebrate Mass at the school chapel.
- D.A. sends an annual delegation to the Ignatian Family Teach-In For Justice, the largest annual Catholic social justice conference in the U.S.
- Each year, seniors have the opportunity to become Eucharistic Ministers; Dominican Academy Preachers (DAPS) is also a student group dedicated to highlighting our Dominican identity in the school community, and taking part in the annual Dominican Preaching Conference.