For more than 37 years, students and teachers alike have gathered to discuss and exchange ideas regarding the state of diversity and inclusion in their respective schools. This takes place at conferences such as the National Association of Independent Schools’ Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). This year’s conference took place in St. Louis, Missouri, and was attended by more than 2,000 students and 4,000 teachers.
Part of what makes these conferences so popular is that they foster a respectful and safe atmosphere that invites thoughtful, meaningful discussions. Thus, these SDLCs have proven to be more than just gatherings— they create an environment where participants build important concepts and learn skills that will transform their future.

This year’s conference featured workshops, master classes, and keynote speakers, which five UNIS students and I had the pleasure of attending. During this one-of-a-kind experience, I became acutely aware of the impact these discussions and activities have on our schools and personal mindsets by teaching us to think critically and compassionately.
I had the privilege of being one of the two Tut 1 representatives at the conference. Although it initially seemed daunting— to be one of the youngest in such a room— upon arrival, I quickly became more comfortable and confident in my surroundings. This was thanks to the students and teachers who attended the SDLC— who contributed to the just, inclusive place of learning. Having a judgment-free place to learn made me more inclined to explore new ideas and skills. The conference nurtured a culture of acceptance, tolerance, and understanding, promoting individuals’ overall well-being and growth within the learning community.
During the day, the students would break into “family groups.” Each group was assigned a different impactful court case that we would discuss. In these groups, we also learned and discussed current social injustice issues.
The students would end their day by attending their “affinity group.” The affinity groups were groups of people with similar racial or cultural backgrounds. Some of these groups were labeled as Black, Mixed, Latino, or East Asian. These groups would gather together to share experiences as well as problems they’ve had based on stereotypes regarding their race or culture. The affinity groups were a place of friendship and community for many of the students attending the SDLC.
The Student Diversity Leadership Conference was a place where students and teachers called themselves together and gathered around tension. In this one-of-a-kind conference, we witnessed and experienced the power and ability we have to better our schools.