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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The universe is on a long arc of justice where the reconstruction of systems that shape our world rely on cultures of belonging, sustainability and authenticity in order to be fully anti-racist and anti-oppressive.

At DSST we aim to foster a shared ownership and capacity to build inclusive communities and experiences among DSST staff, students and families that eliminates educational inequity in fulfillment of our vision to center the Human Condition in every aspect of our work.

DEI AT DSST

Eliminating educational inequity and integrating schools remains core to our mission at DSST. Essential to meeting this mission is the internal work we do to sharpen our own equity lenses as we create more diverse, equitable and inclusive systems. In partnership with our staff, students and families, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team remains dedicated to cultivating a school community that welcomes open discussion and self-reflection around these issues. This has been done in many ways, including the continuation of Affinity Groups and campus DEI Liaisons, and the launch of our Trans and Non-Binary Youth Advocates. These partnerships have allowed us to reflect on where we have been, assess where we are as a network and revisit our goals for the future. What affects any individual or collection of groups, impacts us all.

MEET THE DEI TEAM

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Dr. Aaron Griffen

Aaron J. Griffen, PhD is a P-12 Practitioner-Scholar with over 20 years of experience as a middle school English teacher and school leader. Throughout his career, he has worked exclusively and purposefully in Urban-defined schools and districts, serving a culturally, linguistically, economically, educationally, emotionally, socially and diverse population of learners.

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Mercedes Blea-Davis

From an early age, Mercedes had a keen eye for recognizing the main components of DEI without fully comprehending the full scope of what she was unpacking. As she grew, this work became her passion and a part of her daily life. With each new experience Mercedes intentionally sought out the groups where she could make a positive impact and be an advocate for marginalized groups.

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Salvador Ramírez, M.A.

Salvador’s educational and professional career has been devoted to fighting for educational equity for students from marginalized communities within and outside of educational institutions. As a Latinx educator with anti-oppressive practices, Salvador is determined to help students with marginalized identities understand their power and skillset so they create transformation and change that will allow them to not only survive but thrive.

INITIATIVES

DEI STORIES

RESOURCES