Diversity and Inclusion

List of 4 items.

• Pedagogy & Practice

  At our core, we believe that to prepare students to serve and lead in an ever-changing world, their education must be intentionally inclusive—responsive to diverse identities, learning needs, and lived experiences. As a Lasallian school committed to educating the whole person, our approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging extends beyond curriculum content. It lives in our classroom culture, teaching strategies, and relationships. We view justice as an active pursuit: one that invites students to critically examine the cultural, economic, political, and social forces that shape our  world—and to imagine and develop real-world solutions rooted in compassion, equity, and solidarity.

  
  

  We strive to cultivate learning environments grounded in respect, inclusion, empathy, and intellectual curiosity. Our commitment to DEIB is reflected in both courses, such as Women’s Studies and Ethnic Studies, specifically devoted to exploring issues of identity, justice, and equity, and in the integration of these themes across all subjects and grade levels.

• Affinity Groups

  Affinity groups are student-run groups that offer a space for students to discuss their experiences among peers who share a common identity. Through these organizations students support each other in developing multiple identities, gaining cultural knowledge, implementing social justice initiatives, and building communities of belonging. These groups are driven by the needs and passion of students. Students are invited to participate in existing groups and create new groups. These student groups have supported our community as we live out the stated core values of the school by hosting campus wide events, discussions, and sharing their voice and experiences during faculty formations.
  
  

  Typical Offerings Include:

  Women Empowering Women (WEW)

  Latinos Unidos

  Black Student Union (BSU)

  Asian American Pacific Islander Group (AAPI)

  Prism (LGTBQ+ and Allies)

• School-Wide Programming

  Throughout the year the Director of DEIB coordinates various community education opportunities driven by student and adult input and interest. Many of these are co-sponsored with Student Affinity groups, LSL and Campus Ministry. Our programming is driven by students and  constantly evolving to meet the needs, interests, and cultural expressions of the community we serve. Below is a sampling of school wide programs from previous years. 

  • Inclusion Week (March)
  • Social Justice Prayer Service (January)
  • Cultural & Community Celebrations: Dia de los Muertos (October),  Virgen de Guadalupe (December), Lunar New Year (January), Women's History Month (March), KA-IN Napa Valley (May)
  • Community education & Formation: Guest speakers, current student and alumni panels, student and adult-led brown bag discussions (ongoing)

• On-Campus History

  DEIB at JSHS was born from an alumni, parent, and faculty committee formed in 2021. Named the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Advisory Council. The advisory council was instrumental in the creation of Justin Siena’s current DEIB program. Together they created the following statement to guide their work and impact at Justin-Siena.

  
  

  By grounding our DEIB efforts in Catholic identity and the Lasallian tradition, we strive to create a culture where every student is empowered to embody the Gospel call to love and serve others. Through DEIB, we aim to nurture a community that reflects the dignity of each person, strengthens our collective ability to face societal challenges, and ensures that students graduate ready to build a more inclusive, equitable future.
  
  

  By being an ALLHEART community:
  
  

  We Believe

  Individuals of all races, abilities, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religious creeds, and socioeconomic backgrounds thrive in an inclusive, welcoming community 

  
  The world is made better by seeing each person as uniquely gifted by God
  
  

  Diverse people, perspectives, and ideas enlarge world views, boost empathy, and reduce bias
  
  

  We Love

  As Jesus called us to love so we act to make God's love visible and justice real
  
  

  So we create spaces for students, individually, and students and adults, collectively, where their unique cultural strengths can be nurtured and celebrated; where they can engage in substantive dialogue on racism, discrimination, and unconscious bias
  
  

  With ALLHEART to build bridges, stand with the marginalized, and work toward justice 
  
  

  We Will

  Root out policies and practices that adversely affect historically marginalized students, families, and staff, acknowledging the areas in which we need to grow in order to shape our community 
  
  

  Weave our commitment to diversity within curricular, co-curricular, and professional activities
  
  

  Commit to a curriculum and pedagogy that values diverse perspectives and addresses the complicated dynamics of our nation’s history