Toni Radcliffe ’14: Episcopal cancelled Peace Day, an all school day event to educate on and celebrate diversity, in order to compensate for lost academic time that the multitude of snow days has created.
Administratively, the decision appears logical. After two weeks of J-Term and losing more than a week to snow days, classes are far behind. However, by immediately cancelling this student-led event, Episcopal failed to realize the extreme significance of Peace Day.
As a largely homogenous community, Episcopal rarely has the opportunity to introduce its students to other cultures. In the past, the Upper School has not had such an event to celebrate diversity. After finally scheduling a much-needed experience, it was a disgrace to cancel it.
LoLo Lomax ’14, the head student coordinator of Peace Day, noted, “I was very disappointed just because this is something I’ve been working on since sophomore year.” Two years ago, Lomax and a group of her peers approached Ham Clark, former Greville Haslam Head of School, and pitched their idea for a scheduled diversity day. Originally, Clark declined their proposition on the basis of a scheduling conflict. However, during his last year at Episcopal, he agreed.
Episcopal has not only cancelled an event that this community needs, but also an event that so many had put a tremendous amount of work into. Lomax lamented, “I can’t even put [my work] into hours because it was so much.”
Lomax passionately explained, “If you can make time for sports, you should make time for this. It feels like this is always overlooked.” After finally receiving the attention it deserved, Lomax dived into the opportunity. Working closely with Courtney Portlock, Director of Diversity & Community Life, and Dr. Delvin Dinkins, Head of Upper School, Lomax had gathered a group of student facilitators, planned a schedule and the logistics for the day, and chose the workshops students would participate in.
It is the purpose of Diversity and Community Life office “to foster the Emotional Intelligence of our faculty, staff, students, and parents through ongoing communication, education, and training about the importance of having a high level understanding of self and diversity awareness to strive for excellence in all endeavors.”
Although Diversity Awareness Club, Prism (Gay Straight Alliance), and Racial Affinity Groups help to contribute to this mission, they are all voluntary clubs that only reach a few students. By making a mandatory event, Episcopal can ensure that all students are trained and educated properly about diversity.
Photo courtesy of Dr. T.J. Locke
Fortunately, Episcopal’s mistake can be redeemed. Peace Day should be rescheduled next year. The lack of diversity awareness and celebration can be reversed with such an event. The workshops and activities can teach students to embrace their cultures and learn to appreciate those of others. Lomax agreed, “Hopefully, it will be a learning experience for everyone and something that most of the students can enjoy.”