Affinity Groups
A robust roster of family and student affinity groups, managed by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, facilitates discussion and friendship while ensuring that all voices are heard.
Affinity groups, typically representing the historically oppressed, aim to enhance awareness, create cohesion, and help promote a positive sense of self among those who share an identity and their allies.
Cross-Cultural Support
At Brentwood, families are finding affinity within their own groups and within the broader community of affinity groups. Groups often collaborate on initiatives and stand up to show solidarity for one another in times of pain or need. “There is a misconception that affinity spaces are divisive,” said Director of Equity and Inclusion Carley Dryden. "The cross-affinity love and support have illustrated how impactful these groups are for our entire community."
Affinity groups invite speakers, hold workshops and meetings, and sponsor multiple events throughout the year, celebrating Black History Month and holidays including Día de los Muertos, Diwali, Hanukkah, Hispanic Heritage Month, Holi, Lunar New Year, Nowruz, and Sukkot. Festivities include the African American Read-In, GayLA Dance, Pride Project Family and Friends Party, Soul Food Lunch, and senior celebrations for our Asian, Black, Latino, and Pride families. To kick off the year, the groups collaborate to welcome the entire community to the All-Family Celebration of Diversity.
Assistant Head for Community and Belonging Trina Moore-Southall summed up the simple but powerful impact:
“Participants often find that both adult and student affinity groups increase their sense of belonging in an institution.”
DEI Alliance
The DEI Alliance welcomes all K-12 parents and guardians, regardless of heritage or identity, who wish to explore identity and support diversity, equity, and inclusion as we strive to be an anti-racist institution. While the DEI Alliance is not technically an affinity group, it builds affinity and understanding.
Brentwood School offers the following affinity groups for students and families. Family affinity groups support their associated student affinity groups through meetings and celebrations.
STUDENT ALLIANCES
- Armenian Student Alliance
- Asian Student Alliance
- Black Student Alliance
- Girl Impact
- Indian Subcontinent Student Alliance
- Jewish Student Alliance
- Latinx Student Alliance
- Middle Eastern Student Alliance
- Multiracial Student Alliance
- Pride Project (LGBTQ+)
- Neurodiverse Student Alliance
- Non-Traditional Families Alliance
FAMILY ASSOCIATIONS
- Asian Family Association
- Black Family Association
- Jewish Family Association
- Latino Family Association (El Nido)
- Middle Eastern Family Association
- Parent Alliance of Students of African Descent (PASA), West Campus
- Pride Project Family Association
- Single Parents and Guardians
- South Asian Family Association
To join an affinity group or request information, please email equityandinclusion@
bwscampus.com.