Identity and Equity Groups

Being a part of MA’s IDEQ community helps students develop an appreciation for their own identities and those of others.

Through MA's Identity and Equity Groups, students have the opportunity to lead discussions about identity factors and how they shape our community here at school and beyond. Student leaders are trained in facilitation, leadership, and social justice, and are supported by an adult in the community. The discussions are student-generated and aim to encourage multiple perspectives and create a space where all voices are respected and heard.

MA students holding clipboards and smiling

Open Groups

Open Groups are just that — open to anyone who would like to participate. They are led by student leaders and supported by an adult advisor. One misconception in our community is that you need to identify with the group in order to attend meetings — this is not the case! For example, you do not need to be Latine to go to Latine Student Union events. All members of our community are welcome to all meetings.

Asian Student Organization (ASO)

Gender and Sexuality Awareness (GSA)

Gender and Sexuality Awareness creates a comfortable, accepting, and engaging environment in which participants can openly discuss and learn about issues relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community. The GSA strives to foster an environment of awareness, promote education, and provide a forum for discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity. All are welcome and encouraged to participate regardless of sexual orientation and gender. Adult Advisors: Jake Sisco and Diane Boodrookas

Global Role of Women (GROW)/Intersectional Feminism Club

GROW/Intersectional Feminism Club is a student-led group that examines the role of gender at MA and in the greater global community. In a safe and trusting environment, students contribute their experiences with gender roles and examine the realities of sexism and misogyny. In addition to our discussion-based meetings, members will organize outreach projects open to all MA students that lead to the dismantling of gender-based inequity. GROW welcomes ALL community members, of any gender, who want to engage in conversations about these issues. Adult Advisor: Juliet Dana

Jewish Student Organization (JSO)

Latine Student Union (LSU)

Latine Student Organization was created to bring a cultural, social, and educational awareness about Latino heritage. The group serves the MA community by introducing the richness of Latino cultures, and encouraging students to look at the issues that affect the Latino community in the world and the U.S. By raising awareness about these widespread issues, we intend to unite Latino and non-Latino students towards a common understanding. Adult Advisors: María Guadalupe Muñoz

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness is a safe and educational space on campus for students to talk and learn about Mental Health. We as leaders aim to create a space for any and all students to come and share their experiences, gain a wider perspective, and also talk through important issues in order to de-stigmatize and normalize Mental Illnesses. Adult Advisor: Sarah Janoff-Brinn

Middle Eastern Student Organization

Mixed

Affinity Groups

Affinity groups at MA meet to discuss issues that are specific to the identity of their constituents (see list below). Affinity groups are spaces where people can come together with a common identity to talk about their experiences and concerns. We believe all of MA's affinity groups affirm identity and build community. Our collective objective is to unite and integrate, not to divide and separate.

Black Student Union (BSU)

Black Student Union is an organization dedicated primarily to addressing the political and social needs of Black people at MA. We provide a forum to discuss issues that are prevalent within the Black community in and outside of MA, and a structure for organizing positive cultural and educational activities and events. We want to educate others while educating ourselves. Most importantly, BSU strives to create a real sense of unity and support for students of African descent on campus. Adult Advisor: Teyana Irving, Annelise M orris, and Joanna Paun

BIPOC Queer Affinity Group

Financial Aid Affinity Group

Financial Aid Affinity Group is an organization dedicated to providing a space for students on Financial Aid to talk about their experiences at MA, including issues they have encountered and things they would like to change. Our goal is to address the discompfort of talking about socioeconomic status and class, and ultimately decrease the stigma of being on Financial Aid at MA. Adult Advisor: Meghann Schroers-Martin

Genderqueer Affinity Group

Learning Profiles Group

Queer Affinity Group

Queer Affinity Group aims to create a safe space and community for queer and questioning students to discuss topics relevant to their lives as queer members both of the Marin Academy community and of the world. Such a support network offers people the ability to be understood by others who share similar experiences, struggles, and joys. Adult Advisor: Derek Anderson and Sanjai Moses

Rethinking Whiteness for Racial Justice

Women of Color Affinity Group

Women of Color Affinity Group seeks to foster an environment that empowers, supports, and encourages young women of color at MA. The Women of Color Affinity Group will offer a safe space for students to dialogue about their personal experiences as women of color, and to create space for vital conversations about the MA community and beyond. Adult Advisor: Maribel Albarran, Joann Gatine, and Joanna Paun

Young Brothers Group

Young Brothers (YB) offers a safe space for all self-identifying men of color (MOC) to talk about their personal experiences, celebrations, and challenges as MOC in the MA community and other communities we may be a part of. We encourage each one of our members to think about their roles in and out of the MA community. Through our various meetings, we present space for open conversation and brotherhood. YB aims to provide an environment that empowers, supports and encourages young men of color in their authentic selves to thrive in their development as a member of society. Adult Advisors: Sayed Azimi and Edinson Lopez Flores

If you have questions about any of our Identity and Equity Groups, please contact Dean of Equity and Inclusion, Piya Kashyap, or Director of Student Inclusion and Belonging, Juliet Dana.

MA is a place where I felt comfortable learning to be me and accepted for the me I chose to become.

Taylor Tan '06, Math Teacher and Track and Field Coach

The Student Diversity Leadership Conference

The Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) is an inclusive, multiracial, multicultural gathering of Independent upper school student leaders (grades 9-12) from around the country. SDLC focuses on self-reflection, allyship, and community building. Led by a diverse team of trained adult and peer facilitators, participants will develop an appreciation of their own identities, build effective cross-cultural communication skills, better understand the nature and development of effective strategies for social justice, and practice expression through the arts, while networking with their peers. Each year up to 6 MA students are selected to attend SDLC.

Piya Kashyap

Dean of Equity and Inclusion

Juliet Dana

Co-Director of Student Belonging, History Teacher, Human Development Teacher, Penn Mentor