A DEIB Update for Fall 2023

Under the leadership of its new director Maya Johnson ‘12, Merion Mercy Academy’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is stronger than ever. Head of School Marianne Grace particularly appreciates how Johnson “ views DEIB through a lens such that all members of the community are valued and engaged.” This was evident in a recent update in which Johnson highlighted the following:

• A new faculty/staff DEIB committee is meeting monthly to review curriculum, identify training for increased cultural competency, and implement ways to engage our full community.

• This spring, Johnson will convene a Student Diversity Leadership Team composed of students from every grade level. “The intention of this group,” she says, “will be to meet and discuss issues related to DEIB and to recommend relevant programming for their classmates.” 

• Affinity groups have become an important part of the Merion Mercy experience for some of our community members. This year there are four active groups: LatinX, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and Asian and Pacific Islander. These groups meet within the school’s regular club rotation and are moderated by faculty members. To learn more about the advantages of affinity groups, refer to this recent blog post. 

• With Director of Mission, Ministry and Belonging Sister Danielle Gagnon, RSM, and Dean of Students Paul Clementi, Johnson has been conducting interviews and engaging all first year students in a new Holistic Student Review Process. She explains, “The goal is to assess students’ sense of belonging at this point in their time at Merion Mercy.” A sense of belonging is the biggest indicator of whether a student is happy at school.

Merion Mercy’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is rooted in the Gospel, Catholic Social Teaching, and Mercy tradition. Our central value to live mercy and seek justice begins by building an authentic and inclusive community with our students, staff, parents, alumnae and larger Merion community. To learn more, visit our website.