By Eghosasere ’22
If you want to be a part of a student organization that works to better diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, then join SLIDE. The program is called Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Inclusion or SLIDE for short. The mission of this organization is to increase the visibility of minority students, create a more welcoming space for all students and educate individuals about inequalities in society. Students of all affinity groups are welcome and encouraged to participate in this program. SLIDE collaborates with faculty to create and promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives on campus and often acts as a body to advise the faculty on these topics. Currently in SLIDE, we are creating a cookbook in collaboration with Babel, the student language magazine. We are trying to make a cookbook that is inclusive of recipes from different ethnicities and cultures represented in the Harvard-Westlake community. Many affinity groups are taking part in helping and creating this part of the publication. This is just one example of how SLIDE helps increase visibility of all students on campus. In Harvard-Westlake’s mission statement it states “Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence…”. This is more than just a performative statement to Harvard-Westlake, it is a mission that many students and faculty are working hard to make sure is a reality and seen in daily interactions on campus. Students and faculty in SLIDE and DEI committees at the middle school are putting in the work to make sure students are able to have these courageous conversations in class, even if they’re uncomfortable. SLIDE is working to ensure every student feels like they can be their true selves on campus and not inhibited by others perceptions of their identity.
