Middle school students working on a class project

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

A student and teacher at a diverse boston private school do a demonstration with microphones
A student gives a speech at a podium at an independent school in boston

Affinity Spaces & Alliance Groups

Affinity spaces are for individuals who identify as members of the group and can speak to the experience of being a member of the group from the “I” perspective. Members of affinity groups often share an understanding of common values and similar experiences based on a part of their identity. 

Alliance groups bring together people who have a common commitment to an identifier group, e.g. race, gender, religion, family status, etc. Alliance groups are for individuals who identify as members of the group and/or as people who support and stand in solidarity with that group.

Middle School Groups

Upper School Groups

You Belong Here

Since it first opened its doors in 1877, Thayer Academy has fostered a co-educational environment that affords equal access to students from a broad range of socio-economic circumstances, so they may pursue and develop their talents, interests, and passions.

Thayer Academy remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for every student in our community. We value the commonalities that unite us and celebrate the diversity which makes this community stronger and more vibrant -- a diversity that embraces, but is not limited to: race, religion, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, learning style, physical ability, family makeup, and socioeconomic status.

Thayer Academy’s Strategic Plan for Racial Equity and Justice

The plan seeks to address issues of racial inequity and identify specific action items for change while guiding Thayer to become an antiracist community.

Mental Health Resources for the BIPOC Community

Live Another Day
Live Another Day believes in equal access to life-saving mental health and substance use resources. This website provides extensive information onthe best resources available.

Detox Local
An excellent resource that features abundant information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community.

Interpretive Services

Thayer utilizes Language Bank, a service that provides interpretation for most languages, to assist families at parent-guardian-student-advisor conferences and other meetings with families.

Please sign up 7-10 days prior to your first meeting
to ensure service availability. 

Sign Up for Interpretive Services

 

DEIB Calendar

RSS Feeds Subscribe to Alerts

To add DEIB events to your device's calendar app (Google Calendar, iCal, etc):

  1. Click on the gray RSS icon at the top right of the calendar.
  2. Select the calendar you want and click on the green "iCal" button.
  3. Click "Add to your default Calendar app".

To receive alerts about calendar changes, click the gold bell icon at the top right of the calendar, and manage your settings.

Leadership

Matthew Ghiden

Matthew Ghiden

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Olivia Pena

Olivia Pena

Associate Upper School Dean of Students and Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Upper School
2024-25 Board of Trustees

The Academy's Board of Trustees includes 23 members; 8 are women and 7 are persons of color.

Richard Iskra

Richard Iskra

Middle School World Languages Faculty | Middle School Diversity Coordinator | Middle School Scheduler, Coach - Middle School Football, Coach - Middle School Boys Ice Hockey
Middle School
John Crampton

John Crampton

Upper School Performing Arts Faculty | Upper School Diversity Coordinator | Middle School Theater Director
Upper School, Middle School

DEIB Highlights