Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action

On Sunday, May 4, the Harvard-Westlake community gathered on the Upper School field for the 3rd annual Heritage Festival with an afternoon filled with incredible food and cultural celebration. With performances, delicious food trucks and an Interactive Cultural Museum, families explored the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and experiences that make up our school community. The festival offered a space to connect, welcome new families, and celebrate the richness of our collective heritage.

The Harvard-Westlake community came together on the Quad for the annual Multicultural Fair, hosted by Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (SLIDE). The event showcased student-led booths featuring food, music, art, and interactive activities, offering a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures represented across campus. Through shared experiences and storytelling, the fair fostered cultural appreciation and connection, highlighting the importance of inclusion and community at Harvard-Westlake.

To close out National Poetry Month, West Hollywood Poet Laureate Jen Cheng visited the Middle School campus on Tuesday, April 29 in partnership with Amanda Angle’s creative writing class. She first met with members of Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and Asian American Culture Club (AACC) during break, followed by a feng shui poetry workshop during 5th period,and finished by typing original poems for students and faculty on typewriter, offering a personal and creative way to celebrate poetry across the community.

Seven student leaders and ten faculty and staff members from Harvard-Westlake attended the 2025 AsEA Conference in Atlanta, themed "Our Space, Our Stories: Represent, Resist, Reclaim." Students participated in workshops on AAPI identity, intersectionality, microaggressions, activism, and belonging, engaging with peers from across the country in powerful conversations around community and leadership. On the final day, they presented reflections on topics such as the model minority myth, mental health, and social media’s impact on identity and concluded the trip with a visit to the World of Coca-Cola Museum rounding out a meaningful and inspiring experience.

On April 9, the entire 9th grade visited the Museum of Tolerance for a powerful and immersive experience. Students explored the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, examined contemporary issues of hate in the Peltz Social Lab, and engaged with interactive exhibits like the Point of View Cube and Global Crisis Center—encouraging reflection on identity, responsibility, and inclusion. In honor of the upcoming Yom HaShoah—Holocaust Remembrance Day—the Harvard-Westlake community will continue its commitment to remembrance through meaningful programs across divisions. Middle School students will hear from a third-generation survivor, while 10th graders will meet a Holocaust survivor who lived in hiding during the war. Together, these experiences reaffirm our dedication to education, empathy, and confronting hate.

Over Spring Break, students traveled to Washington, D.C., to explore Black history, culture, and community. The trip included visits to the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials, Frederick Douglass’ historic home, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Students also explored the African Art Museum, participated in a vibrant African drumming and dance class, and toured both Howard and Georgetown universities. The trip ended with fun and bonding activities, including a Washington Wizards game and a visit to Dave & Buster’s to make for an unforgettable trip full of learning, culture, and connection.

Recently, the MS SASA (South Asian Student Alliance) affinity group hosted their annual Holi Celebration, bringing a splash of joy and color to campus! Along with their classmates, students enjoyed a little colorful chaos. Holi, known as the "Festival of Colors," marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil! Traditionally, people celebrate by throwing vibrant powders, dancing, and sharing festive treats.

South Asian Student Alliance (SASA), Middle Eastern Student Alliance (MESA), and Muslim Student Association (MSA) came together for a special Lunch & Learn to celebrate and educate the community about Ramadan. Attendees enjoyed dates and cookies while hearing from Harvard-West;ake community members currently observing the holiday. A slideshow and an interactive Kahoot game helped deepen understanding of Ramadan’s significance, fostering a space for learning, reflection, and cultural appreciation.