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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Three students smile, one gives thumbs up
Guided by the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame education, the NDB Community is committed to educating the whole person - body, mind and spirit. We are a compassionate community devoted to lifelong learning. We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world, and we embrace the gift of diversity. Four of our Hallmarks, in particular, speak to our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion:
 
Dignify All: We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.
Act for Peace and Justice: We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world.
Embrace Diversity: We embrace the gift of diversity.
Learn for Life: We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.

NDB's emphasis on community and diversity creates an inclusive environment for students. Whether it is through celebrating heritage months, serving a culture-inspired lunch, discussing various cultures in the classroom, or acknowledging our land before an assembly, I can see and appreciate the focus on DEI. As a Muslim from Pakistan, I feel accepted at NDB, and this encouragement to talk about my faith and culture gives me the confidence to share with not only with people within this community but also outside it.

Aleeya Baqai '26

Aleeya Baqai 
Student '26

As a Vietnamese student at NDB, I'm grateful to be part of a high school that truly values diversity, equity and inclusion. Notre Dame isn't just a school; it's a community that stands out for its kind and judgment-free atmosphere. In a world where inclusivity can be rare, being a part of this environment is amazing. I truly feel that NDB provides a space where every student can grow, regardless of their background.

Claire Nguyen

Claire Nguyen
Student '26

Notre Dame is a supportive community for all its students, and everyone is very respectful and kind to each other. When I first came to NDB, I was surprised with how inclusive and accepting my teachers were! They truly care for every student. Teachers and fellow students helped make me feel safe as an LGBTQ+ person in a new environment. Now I hope to give back to this community by offering the Rainbow Club as a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and allies to celebrate our identities and diversity.

Student Loki Ingalls

Loki Ingalls
Student '26

At NDB, diversity is a a bridge, connecting students from different backgrounds, fostering inclusivity, acceptance and celebrating the beauty of culture variation.

Isabella Lo

Isabella Lo
Student '25

NDB provides a nurturing and accepting environment where every student is valued and respected, regardless of their background or individual traits. From culture shares to workshops and discussions, students can embrace their unique traits and learn from one another.

Nina Peixoto

Nina Peixoto 
Student '26

Having an education space for students who were all assigned female at birth, regardless of gender identity or expression, and girls or femmes, is beneficial because there can be a level of safety and security in learning while empowering each other to learn more, think differently, question, try and even fail. The camaraderie and community is so vital at any phase of life, but particularly at this formative time.

Gillian Hegarty

G Imazumi-Hegarty '07
ISP, BND and Spanish Teacher, Registrar

Group of students smile

The Coalition for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

The Coalition for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) is a newly formed leadership board dedicated to promoting a culture of DEIB within our school community. The board drives initiatives that highlight and celebrate diversity, collaborates and amplifies various student clubs, and organizes events and activities throughout the year. With a focus on fostering inclusivity and lifelong learning, the coalition plays a key role in enhancing our community’s engagement with DEIB principles. Members participate in regular meetings and contribute to broader efforts, helping to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected.

Speaker Series

Throughout the school year, students meet with and hear from influential speakers who bring our community together to reflect on and learn about a variety of women’s leadership topics including diversity and serving others.

Student speaks to guest speaker
Guest speaker speaking to students
Keynote speaker speaking at an event
Student asking a question at a guest speaker assembly
Students speaking to guest speaker
Students smiling for a photo with guest speaker
Guest speakers speak to students
students smile with guest speaker
guest speaker presents to students
guest speaker, alumna and teacher speaks to students
guest speaker speaks to students
guest speaker
students smile with guest speakers
guest speaker presents
students smile with guest speakers
guest speaker with mirophone
students smile with guest speaker
Guest speaker
panel of speakers smile
Keynote Speaker at event
guest speaker

I am Diverse Club

I am Diverse Club members

The I am Diverse Club is dedicated to understanding and honoring the diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds that are essential to the learning and development of the NDB Community.

Rainbow Club and Intersectional Feminism Club

Started and ran by students and for students, the Rainbow Club and the Intersectional Feminism Club provide a platform for students to discuss pertinent topics, create solutions and celebrate diversity.

Lunar New Year

Students celebrated the beginning of the Year of the Dragon with table top games, calligraphy and prizes! Some of the most competitive games involved races using chopsticks to pick up tictacs, and guessing different fruit juices. Students also got to see cultural garb and hear about their classmates favorite ways to bring in the Lunar New Year!

Diwali

The I am Diverse Club holds an annual Diwali celebration. Students come together to eat gulab jamun, paint diyas, listen to music and learn all about the festival of lights. Notre Dame also placed a rangoli in the front of school to bring prosperity and good luck by welcoming the Hindu goddess, Lakshmi!

Dia de Los Muertos

NDB celebrates Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos), where students create ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their departed loved ones.
Two students smile painted and dressed for Dia de Los Muertos
Die de Los Muertos altar
Dia de Los Muertos Altar
Dia de los Muertos Altar

Statement on Diversity

Notre Dame Belmont admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities of the school, and the school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation and national and ethnic origin in school-administered programs.

Statement on Gender Diversity

Notre Dame Belmont opened its doors in 1851 with a vision to educate young women at a time when such opportunities were often only available to boys and men. In keeping with the mission of NDB, the school is dedicated to nurturing the full potential of all students: mind, body and spirit. As our understanding of gender continues to expand to a more inclusive spectrum of identities and expressions, NDB will remain committed to providing support based on the emotional, social and academic needs of each student.