Voices | Branksome Hall

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Voices at Branksome Hall

At the forefront of diversity, equity and inclusion work is the idea that all voices are important, valid and necessary for a truly inclusive community. We are proud to have a diverse community of students, employees, parents, friends and alum whose views are valued as we move through our DEI journey. Please see below for a snapshot of these points of view.

Meet Our Community

List of 7 items.

Fatma Faraj

Junior School Teacher-Librarian
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“The Junior School Library houses a diverse collection of books and resources. One of the ways that I support DEI initiatives as the JS Teacher-Librarian is by ensuring the library collection has a variety of texts and stories that not only reflect the students in the community but will expand their ideas and perspectives of the world around them. The library is more than a collection of books, it is a space to hold discussions and design collaborative lessons that ensure that we integrate questions and ideas that extend our knowledge and connect to DEI in thoughtful and supportive ways.”
Rania Hussen

Grade 9, Black Student Union Member
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“In my role at Branksome, I support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives by advocating for diverse perspectives and speaking up about topics or issues that need to be addressed in our community to further the work of DEI at Branksome. As a school, we must continue to provide more opportunities for student-led work and foster a culture of acceptance. Most importantly, we must regularly get feedback from students and faculty to ensure voices are heard and to foster a welcoming environment where all students can thrive.”
Monique Miller’07

Branksome Hall Alum
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“This is an important moment in the history of Branksome Hall. At this time, it is important to recognize the duality of the circumstances. This is an important and noteworthy moment, and one that also sheds light on all the progress to be made.”
Kurankye Sekyi-Otu

Branksome Parent and Board of Governors member
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“My daughter entered Grade 4 in the Junior School this year has a long runway at the school, and I think it will be great for her to understand that her dad is involved in the school and also has a voice in terms of the future strategic direction of the school and the organization. It’s a global world and the school certainly embraces that, and so I think I can bring something from my own experiences, my own travels and my family’s blended heritage.”
Megan Snape

Director, Summer Camps
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“As the Director of Branksome Hall Day Camps (BHDC), I have the opportunity to lead and collaborate in extending the school’s values and DEI initiatives into summer programming that reaches beyond our student population into the wider community, and make a connection between the two. BHDC provides a unique environment to foster inclusivity and a sense of community. There is intentionality and careful consideration behind many decisions, including programming, policies and procedures, and the hiring and training of 100+ young adult staff each summer, the future generation of leaders.

We continue to try to expand our community and opportunities, and ensure that both campers and staff feel welcome, safe and supported. We also continue to reflect and challenge ourselves to do better in these areas. Our work in the area of DEI is complex and needs to be ongoing. We teach and encourage our campers and staff to think creatively when problem solving and I think it's important for BH to look beyond the school year and curriculum for opportunities to continue these important initiatives and augment our impact and ability to make a difference.”
Carlotta Walls LaNier

Author and youngest member of the Little Rock Nine
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“…most of these students are not learning this in their history books…it’s important to understand why you are in a classroom with others that do not look like you."

“We must stay vigilant regarding diversity, inclusion, responsibility, good character, developing great people to do what they feel that they are best at.”
Student and Alum Open Letter and Equity Proposal

In May 2020, more than 400 students, alum and employees issued a proposal that outlined suggestions for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Branksome Hall. These recommendations asked for changes across the school that would shift the student and alum experience.

Click here to read the open letter and the proposal.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.*

*The Land Acknowledgement may evolve as we honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities.