Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity & Engagement
Since the early 1920s, Burroughs has been a school uniquely influenced by progressive education.
A collective of Christian and Jewish founders established a non-sectarian secondary school where boys and girls could learn together. That commitment set the stage for a pioneering and progressive spirit that has shaped our school for over 100 years. Today, we celebrate and uphold this legacy by fostering an environment where all our community members are welcomed, fully seen, heard, valued, challenged, and supported. Our commitment to community, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and engagement forms the very fabric of Burroughs, reflecting our dedication to creating a place where no one checks parts of their identities at the door and where every individual does the more complex task of contributing their strengths for community benefit.
As part of our long-held commitments, we are proud to announce the launch of the Community & Equity Leadership Center. This Center is the result of over 25 years of dedicated work and reflects our collective commitment to ongoing growth and progress. We see this Center as a guiding resource that will facilitate open dialogue, deep listening, and genuine understanding. It will play a crucial role in our DEIE and community initiatives, promoting continuous learning and re-learning, and demonstrating our dedication to fostering a system of belonging and connection within our school community. It will also serve as a resource for our collaborative work with The Equity Exchange, Inclusivity Index, and other initiatives throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.
As we look towards the future, we recognize that our commitments are an ongoing journey—that we are prepared to embrace. Our rich history of pursuing an equitable and inclusive environment positions us to maintain a school where all students can thrive, both now and in the years to come. Our dedication to these ideals is not just a part but the very essence of the Burroughs experience, and evidence of the collective strength and value we place on each member. This commitment is unwavering and will continue to guide us in the future.
Together, we will continue to embrace the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. Your participation is not just welcome—it is essential to our success. We invite you to join us at every step of this journey.
Sincerely,
Daniel M. Harris
Director, Community & Equity Leadership Center
Office of DEIE
The Office of DEIE was established in 1997 and is directed by Andy Chen.
The Equity Exchange
The Equity Exchange is a think tank of public and private educational leaders sharing strategic solutions.
Timeline
Explore the chronology of DEIE initiatives over the past 25 years.
Diversity E.T.C. was born out of a recognition that meaningful change begins with dialogue and understanding. We engaged in student-led discussions and exercises that critically examined our assumptions,recognized our biases, and strengthened our empathy muscles. The group, which met in the dining room, was the largest and most diverse student organization on campus because it was literally open to everyone — no prior experience or talents required. ... What DEI does best is push us to understand the experiences, motivations, and needs of others — an understanding that is essential for navigating conflict and finding common ground when the stakes are at their highest — in our classrooms, court rooms,
board rooms, and, of course, dining rooms.
—
Pascale Thomas '01
Click here for additional perspectives from alums and current students.
