On December 9th, Feehan’s Multicultural Association hosted A Conversation About Diversity at Feehan. This was a panel event that invited students, Feehan families, and friends to come and discuss how diversity has developed at Feehan and have Feehan students share their experiences coming from different backgrounds. The night started with a prayer from Ama Otu-Adum ‘27, then the panel was introduced. The panel was composed of 6 Feehan students: Terry Davis ‘28, Sarah Honore ‘27, JJ Bercachi ‘27, Ananyaa Sunil ‘26, Maria Pallapotoula ‘26, and Neve Constantine ‘26. After this, Mr. Grant, the President of FMA, describes how the night is more than just an event. This conversation additionally acts as a gathering to provide a space and opportunity for not only students, but for families to come together and share social and cultural commonalities, which in turn strengthen the bonds of the Feehan community.
Mr. Grant then proceeded to ask the panel questions about their experiences at Feehan as students of color. One question was to Ananya Sunil: “Were there any noticeable changes, from a student’s perspective, at Feehan regarding diversity and inclusion?” Ananyaa went into detail on how, before the 2023-24 school year, FMA didn’t exist. There was the Diversity Council, which were open discussions where students of color could talk to the administration about different subjects. She then explains how she sees Mr. Grant, who became a vice principal her sophomore year, as a person of representation in the faculty. “ (Mr. Grant) is an outstanding member of our community, and is someone that we can look to as students of color,” (Ananyaa Sunil ‘26).
After that, Mr. Grant asks Terry Davis about her thoughts on what she was expecting from entering high school and some expectations she had from Feehan during her application process. Terry said her first realization about Feehan is that it’s a PWI (predominantly white institution). This fact slightly worried her, but when she arrived at Feehan, she realized that it’s like any other high school. However, what made the biggest difference for her feeling of inclusivity was how faculty members treated her. “Doing something small is something that makes you feel like they (faculty members) care about you,” (Terry Davis ‘28).
After a few more questions to panel members, Mr. Grant opened the floor to anyone who wanted to share a question for the panel or himself. One parent asked what Mr. Grant and FMA do to spread awareness about their own existence to everyone in the Feehan community. Mr. Grant responded that FMA uses things like events, Heritage Week, Rock Talks, etc., to connect with the Feehan community better. However, the main focus of FMA is primarily on educating students from non-international families about different backgrounds and cultures.
The Conversation About Diversity at Feehan showed how FMA and Mr. Grant are pushing for Feehan to become a more inclusive, diverse space, and this event is one step closer to achieving that goal.
