Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At The Governor's Academy, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that mirrors the rich diversity of the world our students will enter. We celebrate differences in gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, political viewpoints, religion, cultural background, and more. As part of our Seven Essential Skills, Govs students are empowered to understand their roles within the broader community, act with integrity, and use their voices to advocate for their beliefs and values.

We are committed to nurturing an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Inclusivity is integral to all aspects of our community life— in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, in the dorms, and in the dining hall. By creating and sustaining this inclusive atmosphere, we ensure that all students can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our shared community.

Every Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we step away from classes to come together as a community for reflection and dialogue. This day provides us with a vital opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy by engaging in meaningful conversations about social justice, equity, and the ongoing work towards racial and social equality. We reflect on our individual and collective roles in advancing these principles within our school and beyond. Through workshops, discussions, and activities, we deepen our understanding and commitment to building a more inclusive and just society.

DIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT
adopted in June 2012 by the full faculty

At The Governor’s Academy, we welcome individuals who embrace difference. We believe that our personal experiences are the threads that define and connect us, and we foster a climate of appreciation in which each person’s story can weave itself into the evolving fabric of our community. Recognizing that diversity is an ongoing commitment, we purposefully reexamine our behaviors and beliefs to create community.

Here are ten websites that offer valuable resources for our diverse community of students and parents, particularly around issues of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, and other social justice topics:

Teaching Tolerance (Learning for Justice): Learning for Justice

Offers free resources for educators and families to promote diversity, equity, and justice.

The National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME): NAME

Provides resources, conferences, and advocacy for multicultural education.

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network): GLSEN

Focuses on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ+ students.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC): HRC

Offers resources for LGBTQ+ students, parents, and educators.

EdChange: EdChange

Provides tools and resources for educators to promote equity and diversity in schools.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL): ADL

Offers anti-bias education resources and training.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): SPLC

Offers resources and lesson plans to combat hate and promote social justice.

PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): PFLAG

Provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

Rethinking Schools: Rethinking Schools

Publishes educational materials that promote equity and social justice.

10. Race Forward: Race Forward

Provides research and tools to help communities achieve racial justice.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ALLIANCE

International Student Alliance (ISA) is an affinity space dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for our international community at Govs. ISA empowers international students to effect positive change in the world with their actions and voices while supporting their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Through various cultural events and activities hosted throughout the year, ISA helps students maintain strong connections to their traditions and festivals, fostering a sense of belonging even while they are away from their homelands.

The Asian and Asian American Affinity Group

The Asian and Asian American Affinity Group (4A) is an inclusive space for students who identify as Asian or Asian American. Meeting regularly, 4A provides opportunities for students to discuss shared experiences and address issues that are relevant and important to them as a group. These sessions are designed to complement and enhance community-wide conversations, promoting greater inclusiveness and fostering positive change within our community. By engaging in these meaningful dialogues, 4A aims to contribute to a more inclusive and understanding environment at Govs.

Community Facilitators

Community Facilitators facilitate conversations among their peers to "use the positive power of peer influence to promote respect and civility in their schools and beyond." These students undergo extensive training to better understand a variety of social justice issues and to most effectively facilitate discussions on topics that directly impact our community. They organize events in the dorms, for special celebrations in the community, for current events, and more, both during the day and evening. These efforts help build inclusivity for both adults and students in our community. The group meets regularly to practice their skills and to plan events throughout the year.

STRONG WOMEN AT THE GOVERNOR’S ACADEMY

Strong Women at The Governor's Academy (SWAGA) is dedicated to fostering thoughtful and productive discussions about gender and the cultural issues surrounding it, both at Govs and globally. SWAGA aims to create an environment of understanding, support, and equality for young women at Govs. While one meeting each month is reserved for those who identify as female, SWAGA welcomes all members of the Govs community to participate in our other meetings and initiatives.

BLACK LATINX ASSOCIATION

Black Latinx Association (BLA) unites Black and Latinx students from diverse cultural backgrounds with the goal of educating themselves and others while addressing community matters related to social justice. BLA is dedicated to creating a safe space for all Black and Latinx students, fostering an environment where critical thinking and meaningful conversations about current issues and identity can thrive. The group welcomes individuals of all races and ethnicities, encouraging the Govs community to learn about and appreciate our differences.

SPECTRUM

SPECTRUM is a student-led group dedicated to raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues through advocacy, education, and community-building. The group organizes a variety of events throughout the year, including discussions on identity, social gatherings like dances, and formal presentations that promote understanding and acceptance. SPECTRUM is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as allies, creating a welcoming space for anyone who wishes to support and engage with LGBTQ+ topics. In addition to its events, SPECTRUM also aims to foster an inclusive environment at Govs, where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Through ongoing efforts, the group strives to build a campus culture that celebrates diversity and supports the well-being of all students.

Board of Trustees DEI Statement

Learn about GovsPLUS

Meet the Team

Michelle de la Guardia

Dean of Multicultural Education; Spanish Teacher

Jade Qian

Language Teacher; International Student Coordinator

PAST SPEAKERS

Schuyler Bailar: Schuyler is the first trans athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA D1 men's team, and the only to have competed for all four years. He is an internationally-celebrated inspirational speaker and a respected advocate for inclusion, body-positivity, and mental health awareness.

Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste
Professor of Anthropology at UMASS, Amherst

Professors Jennifer Kirsch and Shamus Khan
College professors and co-authors of Sexual Citizens

Sylvia Swayne
Transgender rights activist & educator

Arno Michaelis
Author of My Life After Hate

Reverend Sharon Risher
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Keynote Speaker

Alex Myers
"American Masculinity"
Teacher, speaker, writer, and advocate for transgender rights