Dismantling Racism Initiative

Mural paintings in Minneapolis and St. Paul were strong expressions of anti-racism and black voices as protests and riots spread across our cities. Two local artists, Ana Nugent and Ellora Parrington, both 2015 graduates of the College of St. Benedict, we

Creating a welcoming and equitable community that builds strong relationships and values differences requires constant self-reflection and a student-centered approach. It's one thing to strive for these things, but here at CDH, we take intentional actions to ensure our community is a place where all can succeed.

- Kim Royston '06, Director of Dignity and Inclusion, Assistant Principal

Professional Developments

  • Amplify Student Voices: Interviewed students about their school experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Then, facilitated professional development was conducted to listen to students' stories and have constructive conversations to understand our student’s experiences and needs better.

  • Grades Data Review: Facilitated professional development on grade distribution by demographics and created an action plan to address disproportionalities. 

  • Stereotype Threats: Facilitated development about how stereotypes/’stereotype threats” can negatively impact academic performance and overall well-being. 

  • Assess staff and faculty intercultural competence: Administered Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to staff/faculty departments and conducted professional development, interpreting results and creating action plans to increase cultural awareness.

  • New MN Native American State Standards: Dr. Treuer facilitated professional development on implementation and navigating resources for the new Native American MN State Standards. 

  • Tackling Tough Topics: Dr. Treuer facilitated professional development titled "Tackling Tough Topics on Systemic Racism and Indigenous Trauma.

  • Intercultural Competence, The Mix of Differences that Makes a Difference: Administered Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to staff/faculty departments and conducted professional development interpreting results to increase cultural awareness.

Cultural Celebrations

  • Black History Month Celebration: Organized our Black History Month Celebration, themed "The Black Church," which highlighted how the black church and gospel music impacted African Americans' ability to persevere. Students shared their African American reflections and enjoyed musical and praise dance selections by the gospel group "The Hurst Family Experience."

  • AAPI Celebration: Organized our AAPI Heritage Month Celebration. Students shared their American Asian Pacific Islander reflections, participated in traditional Japanese drumming, and enjoyed the Hmong College Prep Dance team while displaying their custom garb. 

  • Hispanic Heritage Celebration: Organized our Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Students shared their Hispanic Heritage stories, listened to a live Mariachi Band, and learned bachata and salsadance.

  • Native American Heritage Celebration: Organized our Native American Heritage Celebration. Students shared their Native American Heritage stories, listened and danced to traditional pow-wow music, and learned about the significance of different native traditions. 

Additional Initiatives

  • Free Lunch Program: Established a “school lunch program” to support students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. 

  • DEI Book Club: Created a faculty and staff DEI book club to discuss equitable grading practices and implemented them in academic departments. 

  • HBCU College Fair: Students attended an HBCU college fair, which exposed them to the college process and schools that reflect their communities.

  • College “Free Money” Seminar: Organized a "Free College Money" seminar for parents/guardians to educate parents on minority scholarships, grants, eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines. 

  • Increase Minorities in “AP” classes: Discovered a disproportionate amount of minority representation in AP courses. Intentionally identify students and communicate the opportunities and benefits of AP courses with families.

  • Coordinated Dunwoody College of Technology Tour: Students toured Dunwoody College of Technology to explore their interests and multiple intelligence strengths. They learned about academic options and participated in an interactive experience that explored automotive, manufacturing, welding, graphic design, and other fields. 

  • Created Mentorship Program: Created a mentorship program to connect minority alums with minority students, foster representation, and offer guidance from a shared experience

  • Affinity Groups: Created African American, Hispanic, and AAPI affinity groups.