Civic Engagement Day

Upper School students and faculty discussed topics focusing on anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion during the school’s signature Civic Engagement Day program in early March. Plans for the Civic Engagement Day discussions were prepared by Director of Experiential Learning Nick Francis and members of the Upper School faculty, and student leaders. The half-day program included several small and large group discussions in classes led by faculty members and student TAs. In addition to the teacher-led activities and discussions, Seven Hills parent and Board of Trustees member Chuck Mingo and Molly Shack, co-executive director of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, presented an intensive look at the different levels of racism, including personal, interpersonal, institutional, and structural. “Molly and Chuck also provided materials for students and teachers to use for the follow-up activities,” said Francis. “Credit also to our students for asking great questions and engaging with such challenging issues. I heard from many teachers that the students made productive use of the time after the presentation to explore possible action steps. And thanks to our faculty for their energy on something new and different during an already challenging year.” Civic Engagement Day was part of an initiative driven by Seven Hills’ E.E. Ford Grant, a prestigious dollar-for-dollar matching grant of $250,000 awarded to Seven Hills in 2019.