Student Life

Diversity

Diversity is more than skin deep. Although most people assume that diversity refers to addressing issues for people of non-Caucasian background, ethnicity is only one aspect of diversity. The umbrella of diversity refers to issues with regard to ethnicity, race, language, religion, gender, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, body image, appearance, personality, intellectual ability, physical ability, and political beliefs.

The role of the Diversity Coordinator is to provide, facilitate and support programming for diversity education in the Saint Ignatius community. This is accomplished through leadership of the Diversity student group, collaboration with various student groups and faculty committees, and participation in outside events and speaking forums. Several key Saint Ignatius programs that the Diversity Coordinator shares responsibility for are Mix-It-Up Day, Diversity Week, Festival of Nations, Diversity Dialogues, and Words of Life/”Speak Life” Lenten Season Campaign.

List of 4 items.

Location

Students come from every neighborhood of Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and even Northwest Indiana.
50%/50%

The gender makeup is approximately 50% female, 50% male.
15%

Approximately 15% of students hail from non-Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist religious traditions.
32%

Approximately 32% of our students are of Asian, African/African-American, and Latin American background.

Organizations, Curriculum, and Programming

List of 3 items.

Diversity Organizations
These clubs provide students with opportunities to learn more about their own and others' ethnic, international, economic, ability and gender backgrounds.
- ADAM (A Day Among Men)
- ALAS (Association of Latin American Students)
- ASIA (Alliance of Saint Ignatius Asians)
- B.O.S.S. (Black Organization of Successful Students)
- Circle of Friends
- Club Erin (Gaelic and Irish Heritage)
- Club Italia (Italian Heritage)
- Club Middle East
- Club Ukraine (Ukrainian Heritage)
- Diversity Club
- French Club (French Heritage)
- IVC (Ignatian Volunteer Corps)
- Kino Teens
- Project Unity (LGBTQA)
- Slavic Heritage Society
- VOW (Voices of Women)
- Special Needs Appreciation Club
- Students Committed to Social Action
- Water 1st Club (Helping developing countries have access to clean water).
Diversity in the Curriculum
Various courses at Saint Ignatius help students learn about and understand gender, other cultures, religions, and economic backgrounds.
- African American Historical Perspective
- African American Literature
- American Literature and the Myth of the Melting Pot
- Immersion: Social Justice Through Service Learning
- Irish Literature
- Spanish, French, Latin/Greek, Mandarin Chinese (World Languages)
- The Voices of Women: Studies in Women’s Literature
- World History
- World Literature
- World Religions
Diversity Programming in the Saint Ignatius Community
- B.O.S.S (Black Organization of Successful Students) Anthology (St. Ignatius)
- Christopher Christmas (Christopher School, CPS)
- Day of Silence (St. Ignatius)
- Diversity Dialogues (St. Ignatius)
- Diversity Week and Festival of Nations (St. Ignatius)
- Freshman Diversity Orientation (St. Ignatius)
- Hunger Awareness Month (St. Ignatius)
- Mix-It-Up Day (St. Ignatius)
- Ignatian Family Teach-In For Justice (Washington D.C.)
- Words of Life/“Speak Life” Campaign: Lenten Season campaign encourages more awareness of how we speak to one another. Weekly scripture passages anchor this program. (St. Ignatius)

Our Goals

Increased Discussion

Increased open discussion around diversity issues.
Active in JSN Activities

To be active participants in JSN (Jesuit Schools Network) sponsored activities.
Respect & Appreciation for Differences

Create opportunities for the school community to show and develop greater respect and appreciation for differences.
More Collaboration

More collaboration between diversity themed student groups (ethnic, gender and social justice student groups).
Instill a Life-Long Commitment to Diversity

In conjunction with the 5 Grad at Grad Principles, to instill a life-long commitment to diversity in members of the St. Ignatius community

Contact for More Information

For additional information on our efforts to promote and sustain a school culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, please contact John Igwebuike (director) john.igwebuike@ignatius.org or Kitty Hooper '87 (coordinator) at kitty.hooper@ignatius.org.