Students and faculty from King School recently attended the CAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference, held on April 12 at Hopkins School in New Haven. The annual event brought together more than 200 students from Grades 7 through 12 and educators from independent schools across Connecticut for a day of dialogue, reflection, and collaboration focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

Following the opening keynote speeches, King students Mia Barrera ’29, Sia Marvania ’29, and Philip Raute ’29 participated in a workshop that addressed stereotypes and discrimination. 

The conference offered a powerful sense of connection and shared experience. 

“Coming from a very diverse background, the thought of being able to share with others really interested me,” said Philip. “It was really impactful hearing the experiences of other students who went to the conference.”

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Clyde Beverly, who also serves as a commissioner on the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools Commission on Diversity in Independent Schools, led the Grade 10 session “Who am I? Who are You? Who are We?” Reflecting on the experience, he commended the students for their energy and commitment throughout the day. 

“The students really engaged in the activities and discussions,” he said. “They also were very action-oriented.”

The conference encouraged students to bring its themes and their discussions back to their schools and beyond.

“It was really impactful to be in a room full of other people who have been in similar situations as me and to be surrounded by people with perspectives and experiences related to my own,” said Sia. 

She noted the impact of hearing the experiences of people from backgrounds different from her own.

“I also took away from the conference to never judge a book by its cover and get to know a person for who they are, beyond stereotypes or labels put on them.”

King’s approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is intentionally integrated into all aspects of school life, including the curriculum, assemblies, family events, and affinity groups. Through off-campus opportunities such as the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, King continues to empower students to engage thoughtfully with the world around them and to contribute to a more inclusive community.