Current and Past Student Perspectives

In 1998, students partnered with Daniel Harris to launch Diversity E.T.C. (Education Through Communication). Students envisioned facilitated conversations about diversity, identity, privilege, and power at and beyond Burroughs.
In the years since, Diversity E.T.C has grown into an umbrella organization for 20 student-led clubs and affinity groups (as of 2024). Alums involved in founding Diversity E.T.C. say they continue to be inspired by the experience and reflect on the lasting impact that experience has had on their adult lives.

Alumni Reflections

Lillian Forsyth '02

There is a throughline of diversity, equity, and inclusivity in every professional role I've had. My first job out of college was teaching ESL in a foreign country, and I currently run Lead with Equity to help organizational leaders make space for marginalized voices. It's impacted where I live, the friendships I've nurtured, who I married, and how I connect with people all my life.LILLIAN FORSYTH '02

Jessica Fowler '02

My involvement in Diversity E.T.C. was an important leadership development experiencefor me, and I now work professionally in healthcare workforce equity at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Attending JBS as a Black female with close friends whose worlds and stories were similar and different from mine taught me the power of relationships in disrupting our assumptions and biases.JESSICA FOWLER '02, MD, MPH

Lauren Westbrook McIntosh '03

Had Burroughs not prioritized DEI efforts, my classmates and I would have been dangerously unprepared to enter the 'real world.' Diversity E.T.C. empowered my success as a student (at Burroughs, Harvard, and Stanford), propelled me as a professional, first at L'Oreal and now at Meta/Facebook, and has influenced who I am as a person.Lauren westbrook mcintosh '03

Pascale Thomas '01

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