Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence….
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of educational excellence, with research demonstrating that the presence of these values in educational experiences improves critical thinking and cognitive skills. To that end, Harvard-Westlake is dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community is celebrated, valued, and included. Our multifaceted efforts extend through affinity groups and leadership councils for students, parents, and alumni; regular professional development for faculty and staff; a wide array of assemblies and field trips; our annual Pollyanna Conference for area independent schools; and the annual Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair, which HW has hosted for many years. These initiatives reach students, alumni, faculty and staff, parents, and the broader Los Angeles community. We recognize that becoming a truly diverse and inclusive community is an ongoing commitment, requiring empathy, openness, and the courage to engage in difficult—and sometimes challenging—conversations.
Diversity: Embracing a range of cultures and human characteristics used to recognize individual and group identities. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, ethnicity, race, national origin, age, personality, sexual orientation, gender, class, religion, ability, and linguistic preference. A diverse community also embraces diversity of thought and different ways of knowing, being, and doing.
Equity: Ensuring that every individual has what they need to participate in community life and reach their full potential. Equitable treatment strives to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation and make essential programs, services, activities, and technologies accessible to all. Equity is not equality, and equal outcomes are not the goal of equity.
Inclusion: Taking each person’s experience and identity into account and creating conditions where everyone feels accepted, safe, empowered, supported, and affirmed. An inclusive community cultivates a sense of belonging for every member and gives everyone a voice.