Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Office of Equity & Inclusion helps ensure that Lawrence Academy is safe, supportive, and equitable for all.
Lawrence Academy seeks to encourage the voice of every community member and make education a means of celebrating diversity by acknowledging each individual’s unique qualities regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, ability, religious affiliation, and political views. After all, our motto is Omnibus Lucet (“The light shines for all”), and our mission is to recognize each student for who they are, support and challenge them as they take responsibility for who they want to become, and empower them to take action for the greater good.
At Lawrence Academy, diversity isn’t about simply recognizing who you are as a unique person, however: It’s about acknowledging and exploring others’ diverse cultures and points of view and creating, participating in, and sustaining a just, inclusive, and equal community, both on campus and out in the world. LA faculty and staff want students to realize that this is work for everyone: No matter who you are, you have a role to play in those efforts.
"Our goal is to get students to understand that this work isn’t about diversity, it’s about community. In your ideal community, you want things to be equitable; you want people to feel included. They should see this as community work, because while today’s issue may not directly relate to them, tomorrow’s may."Raquel Majeski, Assistant Head for Equity & Community Life
Lawrence Academy’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts encompass the full on-campus experience: A set of “community norms” guide how students, faculty, and staff interact with and treat each other. Programming throughout the year, including the Omnibus program and in-class discussions, bring these issues to the forefront. Identity-based student clubs, known together as Concordia clubs, bring like-minded students and their allies together, both to create a mini-community and involve students in each club’s chosen social cause. Concordia clubs all come together once per month as well, as LA’s Moral Courage Task Force, to encourage cooperation and explore how they intersect.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, January 16
LA Walks - How we experience a space and how it can help us remember: This facilitated activity focuses on memories of love and power. Using posted QR codes, students will be encouraged to think about moments where they have felt love or loved someone, and where they have felt power or powerlessness on campus. This activity will bridge the work on MLK day with the work of our Mees Visiting Scholar, Shaun Leonardo.
Loving Documentary and facilitated debrief: The Loving v. Virgina case was a landmark civil rights decision where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that laws banning interracial marriage violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The case was decided in 1967 the same year that Dr. King gave the “Where Do We Go From Here?” speech during the 11th Convention of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA. Student will watch the documentary and participate in a facilitated debrief.
Thursday, January 19
In celebration and recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., join us virtually for a special event presented by Lawrence Academy’s DEI Office. Dr. Trinidad Tellez P’23, New Hampshire State Representative, Health Equity Strategist and Alumnus Trustee Taylor Selé ’02, Professional Television and Movie Actor with SAG and AFTRA.
2023 Black History Month Celebration
Friday, February 3:
Assembly: Kickoff with a Kahoot
Sunday, February 12
Black History Month Celebration. In partnership with Middlesex and St. Marks, we will host a gathering for BIPOC students holding space for education, reflection, and connection.
Friday, February 24
Chat & Chew – during office hours
Monday, February 20
Special Assembly including songs, dance, and spoken word from students and faculty
Sunday, February 26
Boston Trip – “The Embrace” and the 1965 Freedom Plaza by artist Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group and the Museum of African American History
Friday Night Movie Series
Throughout the month, each Friday night we will have movies the highlight black culture and history
Advisory activities each week highlighting lesser-known black heroes:
• Bayard Rustin
• Marsha P. Johnson
• Shirley Chisholm
• Patrice Lumumba
• Marian Croak
• Wifredo Lam
Visiting Scholar Program
The J. William Mees Visiting Scholar Program has been a mainstay at LA for many years and gives our students the opportunity to interact with career professionals. Learn more...
Omnibus Lucet. The light shines
for all.
We believe three educational imperatives—diversity, equity, and inclusion—bring our motto to life, illuminating our mission and guiding our callings. Lawrence Academy recognizes you for who you are and inspires you to take responsibility for who you want to become.
How to Apply
Interesting in Applying to Lawrence Academy? Visit Admissions page about the Application Process to get things started.
Don't forget, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives
Meet the Team
Raquel Majeski
Assistant Head for Equity & Community Life
O'Shea Bell
Assistant Dean of Students
Meghan Smith
Coordinator of DEI Professional Growth and Practice, English
Emerald Carter
Director of DEI Programming