Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Gilmour Academy

At Gilmour Academy, the commitment to the ideas and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion starts with our Holy Cross charisms and mission as a Holy Cross school, and continues with our intentional, lifelong endeavor to courageously act in creating a more humane and just society. A humane and just society is one that embraces and imbues an egalitarian perspective, one we seek to instill in our students during their time at Gilmour. We want to produce students who have grown their cultural diversity dexterity because they are excited about and engaged in activities that work to make our world a better place for ALL people to live in.

As the director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here at Gilmour, I am honored to partner with students and families (current and prospective), board members, alumni, faculty/staff and administration to create equitable experiences, clear civic engagement opportunities, culturally responsive curriculum and a spirit of intentionality toward equity and diversity.

Faithfully,

NaNetta Hullum

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

News

List of 3 news stories.

BSA Welcomed Mojuba Dance Collective for Two Workshops
3/4/2022
Celebrations of Black History Month
2/18/2022
International Club Throws Chinese New Year Celebration
2/4/2022

Strategic Goals

List of 5 items.

Diverse Community

We work to promote a diverse, inclusive, just community rooted in the Holy Cross mission and charisms where every student feels they belong.
Education

We provide opportunities for all stakeholders to develop or increase their cultural competency with principles of inclusivity, belonging, justice and liberation.
Equitable Experiences

We ensure these experiences by providing access to resources, outcomes, relationship formation and identity development, promoting the ideals of human dignity and respect.
Engagement

Inspired by the Catholic social justice teachings and viewed through the lens of awareness, analysis and action we work to instill empathy. Empathy leads to compassion, which leads to understanding and connection.
Accountability

Using the Holy Cross charisms as guideposts on the path to equality, bring about healing and authentic change through the use of restorative practices and by revisiting policies and procedures to ensure equity.

- Welcome from Ms. Hullum

Policy Statements

List of 2 items.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Gilmour Academy recognizes, embraces, celebrates and values that each member of our community is unique and that diversity is a highly valued principle of our institution. As a school, we are focused on increasing the diversity of the Gilmour community; promoting equal employment opportunities; ensuring nondiscrimination in all aspects of our programming and instruction; and preventing implicit bias in the actions of members of the Gilmour community. Further, we prioritize being an inclusive community that engages groups of diverse individuals and allows them to connect in ways that increase each participant’s awareness, knowledge and empathetic understanding. We are committed to creating an environment where underrepresented populations have equal access to resources and opportunities to learn and grow in the most holistic fashion.

At Gilmour Academy, equal opportunity assumes that the concept of merit, based solely upon a person’s ability to perform their job duties and academic responsibilities, will govern all personnel and educational decisions. Gilmour Academy is committed to achieving equal opportunity through proactive measures, which require intentional efforts to recruit, admit, employ, compensate, understand and promote/transfer members of groups previously underrepresented. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy Statement is meant to ensure equitable opportunities, consideration and treatment for all current and prospective students and employees.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Gilmour Academy is more than mere compliance with laws and regulations. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion benefit our community by promoting an inclusive environment free from constraint on the basis of culture, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, religion, family structure, relationships or economic status. Gilmour Academy offers students, faculty, staff and administrators a home rooted in the Holy Cross charisms, specifically hospitality and inclusivity. It is an institution that develops in its community members the competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more humane and just society, as stated in the school’s Mission Statement. Gilmour Academy foster fair and just leadership, expands minds, opens hearts, broadens awareness, refines skills and challenges individuals to grow. Through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy Statement, we encapsulate these characteristics to make all aware of the value we at Gilmour Academy place on this expected experience. Our task is a focused one that takes on a complex issue; it is one that calls us to demonstrate how diversity, equity and inclusiveness in all areas can directly influence the culture of Gilmour Academy and enhance the experience of its community members. The mission and culture of Gilmour Academy can never be mandated and protected by statements alone. Action is required through the continued use of targeted and specific programs that address both the systemic and systematic oppression facing our society. As a school community, our support for efforts to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion in our student, faculty, staff and administrative populations is continuous and is based upon the following belief:

Diversity, and its inclusive practices, are an educational function of paramount importance to the Gilmour Academy community. Additionally, the value that diverse and inclusive practices and focus provide in the development of our students, faculty, staff and administrative populations aids in creating a world of just, humane, competent and decent individuals.
Non-Discrimination Policy

Gilmour Academy does not discriminate in its hiring or admission on the basis of culture, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, religion, family structure, relationships or economic status.

Clubs and Committees

List of 5 items.

Black Student Alliance

Led by Kendall Long '23.

Mission–To clear ignorance from the mind, and negativity from the heart. We are here to help others understand the culture of people of color, especially Black people. In that, we help the world become more understanding and tolerant.

Vision–A world where critical conversations occur and create an environment where we educate the mind and empower the heart so ignorance is no more.

Purpose–To educate others to create a more tolerant and judgement-free atmosphere for people to come with questions and for us to provide answers about race, ethnicity, culture and justice as they relate to people of color.

The group meets Wednesdays during Mod 3 and discusses issues and solutions related to black culture and how we can work as a community to find solutions. The meetings are open to everyone, no matter your gender or ethnicity. The group also hosts events such as potlucks and speakers. All events are open to the GA community.

The group is off to a strong start, focused on addressing Gilmour's diversity and inclusion and creating programs and events that ensure we are creating a more tolerant and understanding atmosphere for all people.
Civic Engagement Team

The Gilmour Academy Civic Engagement Team is a student organization committed to the cultivation and education of inclusive and civic-minded beliefs within the Gilmour community and beyond. Our Justice Leaders are caring, culturally competent and engaged as they strive to inform and empower action toward change in the Gilmour community. Through brave conversations, courageous action and empathetic leadership we hope to uphold Gilmour's mission in creating a more humane and just society.

Read more.
International Club
International Club is committed to promoting multiculturalism and global awareness within the student body and the greater Gilmour community. In an increasingly globalized world, it is imperative that 21st century learners develop intercultural competence, an appreciation for diversity, and a concern for world issues. International Club seeks to celebrate the cultural richness of our student body and the international presence that exists within our greater community.

The experiences of each individual within our community is what makes Gilmour unique. In celebrating our differences, we forge a sense of solidarity among us and create an inclusive environment that elevates all.

The mission of International Club is to provide a forum for student discussion of different cultural practices and norms in order to develop engaged and informed citizens of the world. This year, International Club has also collaborated with UNICEF, the United Nation’s Children’s Fund, in order to foster a sense of empathy on a global level. This partnership has allowed us to make a greater impact in our efforts while remaining informed in where the need for our support lies most.

International Club seeks to achieve its mission through active membership and by engaging in the following practices:
- Promoting and enhancing international awareness, cooperation, cultural diversity and dialogue among students of different nations and American students attending Gilmour Academy
- Providing the Gilmour community with opportunities to learn about international students and their cultures through multicultural experiences.
- Advocating for and advancing international campus initiatives in collaboration with other affinity groups
- Providing international programming and events to support and serve all students in living out our mission
Lancer Alliance

Lancer Alliance is a student organization that, commensurate with our Holy Cross charism of inclusiveness, seeks to foster justice and awareness as we celebrate and affirm the identities of all students, specifically in regards to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, by providing a safe and welcoming space for all students to be seen, heard and supported as they grow together in knowledge and community.
Linked Up

Gilmour's Linked Up club aims to raise Autism Awareness. A team participates in the annual Autism Speaks Walk to fundraise in an effort to have a voice with legislators, access information and resources, support research and medical discovery, and help fund local services through the mission of Autism Speaks.