It is unquestionably true, beautiful, and good that the world is made up of diverse people. Wyoming Seminary strives to build a learning environment that reflects the disparate cultures, religions, languages, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives of our world. To that end, our school seeks to encourage the application of students and the hiring of faculty, staff, and administrators who represent diversity. Sustaining and nurturing such a community is an ongoing process, and we will continue to foster the respect, empathy, and curiosity that allow it to flourish.
- Wyoming Seminary board-approved diversity statement
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiatives
- Continuing education and engagement for faculty and students
- Monthly chapels focused on building a strong Sem community and sharing the diverse experiences, both religious and cultural, of our students and faculty
- Faculty Community Council regularly meets to advise on forward progress of DEIB work at Sem and continue to provide adult support and structure for various student-run campus affinity groups
- Student-led and faculty-supervised affinity groups for underrepresented identities including Black Student Union (BSU), Students of Color Alliance (SOCA), PRISM, SemFem and International Club meet frequently and contribute to ongoing DEIB work
- Orientation activities in cultural competency and inclusivity
- School Climate Survey to assess student and faculty demographics
- Restorative disciplinary responses
- Curriculum review and development to diversify the voices and stories heard in all subject areas.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Programs vary in structure and involvement but annually focus on his work and values
- Regular attendance at NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)
Led by Karman Kaur '24, Prem Patel '27 and Tanish Patel '26, the Wyoming Seminary community celebrated Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. These students also spoke at assembly and invited classmates and faculty to create rangoli (colorful sand art) and enjoy Indian sweets with festive music and candles setting the scene. Brenda Pigou, Director of International Student Programs helped with the event.
PRISM, Sem’s Upper School Gender & Sexuality Alliance, does incredible work uplifting our LGBTQ+ students. The group was recognized in June, which is Pride Month, for the work they do toward acceptance and awareness of students of all lifestyle choices, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Que Riggins ’24 addresses the audience at a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assembly. The annual assembly is dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. Live music, videos, trivia and speeches highlight the day of learning and reflection.
Celebrating and learning about different holidays and traditions is a special part of Sem’s diverse teaching.
A community dinner, hosted by the Carpenter Hall RAs and dorm faculty honored a traditional Mexican Day of the Dead. In addition to traditional Mexican snacks and refreshments, a tribute table was on display to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
The International Dinner is an annual celebration of different cultures and traditions within the Wyoming Seminary community. Students and families from the Upper and Lower School are invited to participate in making their favorite traditional dishes and enjoy the delicious meals.
Upper School students enjoy visiting the Lower School to share their Lunar New Year festivities with the younger students. Presentations, games and prizes highlight this annual tradition.
The Wyoming Seminary community celebrated Black History Month at its monthly boarding community dinner. Sem boarding students and residential faculty and staff enjoyed meeting guest speaker Rev. James H. Breese, pastor of First Baptist Church in Pittston. Rev. Breese, who was joined by his wife, Sharrell, spoke about growing up in the Wyoming Valley and the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. had on his own life. The Students of Color Association organized the evening.