Saint Ignatius High School

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Christ’s vision of God’s Kingdom is an inclusive and welcoming one. As a Catholic community of faith we realize more fully how we are called to pattern our lives after His vision.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is mission-focused, designed to support the entire community. The DEI commitment is rooted in and aligned with the Gospels and Catholic Social Teaching.

Deborale Richardson-Phillips, PhD, PHR,
Vice President Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Deborale Richardson-Phillips, PhD, PHR, <br>Vice President Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion image
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Reflects the Fullness of God

"You have gathered us here around the table of your Son
in fellowship with the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and all the saints.
In that new world, where the fullness of your peace will be revealed,
gather people of every race, language, and way of life
to share in the one eternal banquet with Jesus Christ the Lord.”
(excerpted from Eucharistic Prayer II for Reconciliation II)
 
 
Christ’s vision of God’s Kingdom is an inclusive and welcoming one. As a Catholic, Jesuit school, a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is vital and in keeping with our faith and our school’s mission. We realize more fully how we are called to pattern our lives after Christ’s vision of the Kingdom. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion flows from our Catholic faith and is demonstrated in the Gospels through Christ’s own work. His desire for equity and inclusion among all is demonstrated time and again.

At Saint Ignatius High School, DEI work is something we have done for many years, and is part of our commitment to peace, justice, growth and fairness. This work began here in the early 1990s under the leadership of then-President Rev. Robert J. Welsh, S.J. ’54. His vision was an inclusive one, always mission-focused, and tied directly to our Catholic faith.

Jose Gonzalez ’87 was the first to direct the Office of Multicultural Retention and was followed by Treye Johnson ’99 and Jason Reed ’95. During Reed’s tenure, the office was renamed the Le’Charles V. Bentley ‘98 Department of Diversity and Inclusion.

 

  • Our Student Community

    Our school has always been one where sons of lawyers learn next to sons of pipefitters. Where alumni become firefighters, doctors, athletes, artists and businessmen. Diversity of thought, race and socioeconomic background begins in our hallways and prepares our students for the diverse world around them.

  • Catholic Social Teaching

    Catholic social teaching is a central and essential element of our faith. In order to prepare our students for a multicultural world, courses are offered to encourage critical thinking, dialogue, understanding, and awareness.

  • Cultural Celebrations

    Saint Ignatius celebrates a number of cultural events throughout the school year. This is an opportunity to educate, share and grow in our knowledge of and appreciation for others.

  • Affinity Groups and Extracurriculars

    United by our commitment to promoting the dignity of all students, Saint Ignatius High School offers a variety of extracurriculars that allow our students to actively gain a deeper understanding of diversity throughout our school community and greater society.

  • Multicultural Enrichment

    The fund for Multicultural Enrichment was designed as a way to offset the annual needs of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This includes support of professional development, student field trips, multicultural programming and the REACHing Magis program to foster an equitable and inclusive learning culture for all students.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion