Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Celebrating the Uniqueness and Purpose of Each Person

At Oak Knoll, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where each student’s voice is heard and valued in a community where everyone truly belongs and thrives.

Blessed are you when you appreciate unity and diversity. May God open your eyes, minds, and hearts to the differences and unique gifts and perceptions of each one of you and unite this community in one spirit of the Holy Child.

Sr. Eileen McDevitt, Director of the Holy Child Network of Schools

Oak Knoll's DEIJ Statement

“Oak Knoll’s mission as a Holy Child school calls us to foster an environment where community members are welcomed and empowered to thrive. Our community celebrates the uniqueness and purpose of each individual, promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusion. We welcome people of all backgrounds, faiths, and perspectives who share our commitment to the Holy Child Goals.

Our school’s mission charges us to educate students who recognize the dignity of every person, who will work for justice, peace, and compassion, and who can make responsible choices in an ever-changing, complex world. Oak Knoll is committed to turning words into meaningful actions, embracing the call to create a world where everyone is valued, respected, and supported on their journey of learning, faith, and personal growth.”

Civil Discourse at Oak Knoll

Building Bridges and Empowerment Through Dialogue

At Oak Knoll School, we believe civil discourse cultivates a healthy, inclusive learning community. We create space for diverse perspectives to enhance both personal and collective growth, empowering all members — students, faculty, staff, and families — to share their thoughts with respect and sincerity. As a Holy Child School, we strive to “consistently model and teach respect and empathy, creating an inclusive environment” (Goal 5.B). By emphasizing kindness and openness, we believe that our diverse voices strengthen our community and enrich our shared learning experiences.

Oak Knoll’s Civil Discourse Guidelines

While engaging in civil discourse, we will adhere to the following guidelines:

Remember that we are a Holy Child Community
Listen actively to each other
Respect diversity of thought
Criticize ideas, not individuals
Recognize differing opinions as opportunities for growth

Consider intent, acknowledge impact
Be curious and ask questions
Make room for multiple perspectives
Be kind even when you disagree

DEIJ Events & Initiatives

Clubs

Asian and Pacific Islander Society — The Asian/Pacific Islander (APIS) club is one of Oak Knoll’s multicultural associations, open to all students (7-12). It primarily focuses on topics pertaining to the Asian/Pacific Island community. Club members explore Asian/Pacific Island culture through art, food, and media (music and movies). Club members are committed to holding open discussions about important issues in the APIS community.
Culture Club — Culture Club is the Lower School’s multicultural association for students in grades 5-6. At meetings, members share their cultures and ethnicities and discuss current topics about diversity. Activities include book discussions, round-table talks and presentations to broaden the discussion of diversity at Oak Knoll. Sometimes members present multicultural topics at school assemblies.
Native American Interest Club — NAIC focuses on Native American communities, culture, and issues. The meetings are used as an opportunity to understand and raise awareness of the challenges facing First Nation peoples through discussions, videos, articles, and artifacts. Students also plan a presentation for Native American Heritage Month. All students who have an interest in Native American culture are welcome.
SHADES — Students Helping Advocate for Diversity in Education and Society is Oak Knoll’s Upper School multicultural association. At meetings, club leaders present topics which might include current events and issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. Students also share their own backgrounds and club members learn from everyone’s perspective. Activities have included educational trips, the annual Black Scholars & SHADES Thanksgiving Supper, a mixer with local schools and presentation at school assemblies.
Society of Black Scholars — Students in grades 7 through 12 meet each cycle to discuss, organize, and plan activities and presentations that celebrate the culture and ethnicity of African-Americans. Some of the presentations focus on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and Black History Month. Oak Knoll’s Black Scholars group joins with Black Scholars from other independent schools to dialogue and socialize. Although the meetings focus on issues pertaining to Black students and their culture, all students are welcome.
Unity Club — In these contemporary times of uncivility and disunity, high school students need to find safe spaces in order to dialogue with each other about who they are and what their concerns are — both in our school community and in the larger community beyond Oak Knoll. This club will create an opportunity for upper school students to learn about the uniqueness of each person and how that person contributes to making OKS a stronger community. Within a trusting and reverent atmosphere, students will discuss their differences and their similarities; what makes them unique and what unites them.

Events

Student Leadership Training

Sister for Sister — Sister for Sister is a mentorship program for students of color in grades 7-12. It was founded by an Oak Knoll graduate of the Class of 2020 to be a safe space for BIPOC students to bond, have fun, talk about shared experiences, and address any societal challenges they are facing. Students who have attended Oak Knoll for a couple of years apply to mentor younger and new students and plan and lead activities and discussions. Mentors are selected through an application process and any student of color is welcome to sign up to be in a mentee group. Sister for Sister meets once per academic cycle, with the ability to plan other events if desired.

Student Diversity Leadership Board — The Student Diversity Leadership Board (SDLB) at OKS empowers a diverse array of students to advocate for their peers and play a pivotal role in advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) initiatives. Guided by the Office of DEIJ and in partnership with stakeholders throughout the school community, the SDLB ensures that each student’s voices are acknowledged and meaningfully addressed. This platform offers students the chance to cultivate leadership skills deeply rooted in principles of justice, compassion, and empathy, serving as a catalyst for positive transformation and fostering unity within OKS aligned with Holy Child Goals 4, 5, and 6. The SDLB endeavors to be a formidable force in tackling challenges and fostering growth opportunities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within our community.

Conferences & Professional Development

For Students:

Cultural Appreciation Workshop — Annually, the ninth grade participates in a diversity and inclusion workshop on cultural appreciation that covers identity, micro-aggressions, and cultural competency skills.
NAIS Student Civic Leadership Summit
New Jersey Catholic School Diversity Conference at Delbarton School
New Jersey Student of Color Conference at Newark Academy
Student Diversity Leadership Conference

For Faculty:

DEIJ Faculty & Staff Focused In-Service — including topics on identity, civil discourse, unconscious bias, and inclusive language
NAIS People of Color Conference
NJAIS Administrators of Color Institute
NJAIS White Administrators Institute
Widening the Lens — a Diversity Conference at Far Brook School for New Jersey Independent Schools