Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Source: http://www.denveracademy.org/page/community/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At Denver Academy, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, (DEI) and Belonging (DEIB) are foundations of our educational community. Our commitment to these values is ingrained in our decision-making, actions, curriculum, and mission. Fostering well-being through these principles is an integral part of our school culture. Denver Academy values the mental, social, and emotional health of our community and recognizes that nurturing a sense of belonging takes effort and commitment. We pledge that we will continue to maintain a growth mindset with the goal of overcoming barriers and biases. All are welcome at Denver Academy. We ask that all members of our community — students, caregivers, faculty, staff, and visitors, commit to treating each other with respect and kindness. An inclusive environment thrives when all voices, regardless of background, belief, and ability, are acknowledged and valued. Together, we can create a community that inspires all students to reach their full potential in an accepting and safe environment.
Diversity and Inclusion at DA
View All
DA Designated as No Place for Hate School
We would like to acknowledge that Denver Academy sits on Cheyenne land and that they were the land’s original stewards. We also wish to acknowledge all other Indigenous Tribes and Nations who call Colorado home. We commit to care for this land and to support indigenous peoples.
Denver Academy’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
We are committed to seeking
Justice
as we identify systemic barriers in education, practicing
Equity
so each student thrives in our community, celebrating the
Diversity
of backgrounds and experiences on our campus, and advocating for the
Inclusion
of all who attend our school.
JEDI Student Groups at DA
List of 3 items.
Students of Color and Allies (SOCA)
The mission of SOCA is to embrace unity through respect in order to create an empowered, diverse, and safe community. This student-led group began in the 2019-20 school year and is open to ALL middle and high school students. SOCA is unique to Denver Academy and was founded by student leaders. SOCA meets bi-monthly during lunch periods.
Young JEDIs
The Young JEDI mission is to build a stronger, safer community by advancing students’ abilities to empathize, achieve common goals, and build a sense of community. The Young JEDI program is project-based and woven into the monthly character values of the Elementary Division.
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Since 2009, DA has proudly supported the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA). The goal of this group is to create a safe and affirming school community for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Denver Academy’s GSA groups in both Middle and High School are registered nationally with
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network)
. The groups meet bi-monthly during lunch periods.
Professional Development
Each year, DA sends representatives to the
Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and the People of Color Conference (PoCC).
These diversity leadership conferences are presented by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). They provide an opportunity for DA representatives to gather with more than 7,800 adults and students from independent schools across the country to learn, collaborate, and support one another and to bring this knowledge back to our community. Teachers have also participated in professional development workshops with
Learning for Justice
,
Facing History
,
Educating Children of Color
,
Diversity University
, and the
Colorado Diversity Network.
Colorado Diversity Network (CDN)
Denver Academy is one of eight founding member schools of this network. The
Colorado Diversity Network
is a group of independent schools working in collaboration to create a statewide network of faculty and staff training focused on issues of equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging in the classroom. Below are some examples of events and workshops presented by CDN and attended by DA teachers and staff:
Rosetta Lee - Keynote at Anti-Racism in Action Conference
Intro to Anti-Bias and Anti-Racism in the Classroom by Liz Kleinrock
Joel Baum from
Gender Spectrum
Social Justice 101 with
Learning for Justice
featuring Dr. Sarah-Soonling Blackburn
Health and Wellness through an Identity Lens with Julie Lutton
Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist Instructional Practices for K-6 Educators with
Britt Hawthorne
DEIB Events
At Denver Academy, our students engage in several nationally-recognized events promoting DEIB work. Some of these events include:
The GSA sponsors
No Name-Calling Week | GLSEN
Young JEDIs participate in
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
SOCA promotes
International Identity Day
Schoolwide we celebrate
International Day of Peace | United Nations
Meet the JEDI Team
List of 5 members.
Katie
Bradford
Dean of Arts & Media/JEDI Chair
Read Bio
An educator with over 20 years of experience, Katie Bradford serves not only as JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Chair but also as Dean of the Arts and Media Department at Denver Academy. Mrs. Bradford is committed to making our community a safe and inclusive space for all learners. In recognition of her diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging accomplishments, Katie has received inclusive leader awards from Diversity IS, GlobalMindED, and the Mizel Museum. She was also named Queer Literacy Educator of the Year by CU Boulder and has also been honored by Denver Academy with Teacher of the Year and Lifetime Achievement (Wings of the Future) awards. Mrs. Bradford serves on the executive leadership team for the Colorado Diversity Network.
Anthony
Slaughter
Director of Information Technology/JEDI Co-Chair
Read Bio
Anthony Slaughter has taught in the classroom and by example at DA since 1990. He cares about people and about making their day better through the use of technology. Anthony has been at the helm of many large projects at DA including installing a wireless infrastructure and rolling out a 1:1 iPad program. In addition to his duties as the Director of IT, Anthony is co-chair of DA's
JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) group
. In 2013, he received DA's Staff Member of the Year award.
Mr. Slaughter attended Carnegie Mellon University and Colorado State University - Global Campus.
Cece
Duhamel
Middle School Teacher
Katey
Frankel
10th Grade Teacher
Hannah
Topka
Elementary Teacher
Read Bio
Ms. Topka is excited to start her first year at Denver Academy! She is so happy to be a part of the wonderful Denver Academy community. She enjoys hiking with her dog, running before school, and exploring new places. Ms. Topka grew up in Colorado but spent the last four years in D.C. teaching at The Lab School of Washington. She moved home this summer to be near family and the mountains. She received her BA in psychology from Denison University and her MA in special education from American University.
Find Us
4400 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80222
Main/Attendance: 303.777.5870
Admissions: 303.777.5161
General:
info@denveracademy.org
About
Denver Academy is an independent private school for grades 2-12 located in Denver, CO. DA
inspires and empowers a diverse group of learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.
Sign Up for DA Dateline Monthly Newsletter
Member
© 2022 Denver Academy. All Rights Reserved.
Menu
Login
Styles
Templates
About Us
arrow
The DA Difference: How We Teach & Learn
From the Head of School
Administration & Faculty
Board of Trustees
Employment
Press Room
Strategic Plan
Campus Map
Admissions
arrow
Why Denver Academy
Apply to DA
Tuition & Tuition Assistance
Inquire About DA
Visit Denver Academy
FAQs
Connect with DA Parents
Academics
arrow
Elementary School
Sixth Grade
Middle School - Grades 7-8
High School - Grades 9-12
Physical Education
Arts & Media
Meet the Teachers
Denver Academy Curriculum
Athletics
arrow
DA Athletics
Athletics Calendar
Community
arrow
Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging
Clubs & Organizations
Counseling & Wellness
DA Parent Association
Online DA Spirit Store
Distinctive Programs
arrow
Summer Program
College & Transition Counseling
Tutoring
Library
Elementary After-school Activities
Experiential Education
Denver Academy Symposium 2026
Give to DA
arrow
The Fund for Denver Academy
Performing Arts Center
Ways to Give
Giving FAQs
Denver Academy Gala 2026
Alumni
News
Calendar
Non-Discrimination Policy
Privacy Policy
Community
Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging
Visit
Inquire
Give
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At Denver Academy, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, (DEI) and Belonging (DEIB) are foundations of our educational community. Our commitment to these values is ingrained in our decision-making, actions, curriculum, and mission. Fostering well-being through these principles is an integral part of our school culture. Denver Academy values the mental, social, and emotional health of our community and recognizes that nurturing a sense of belonging takes effort and commitment. We pledge that we will continue to maintain a growth mindset with the goal of overcoming barriers and biases. All are welcome at Denver Academy. We ask that all members of our community — students, caregivers, faculty, staff, and visitors, commit to treating each other with respect and kindness. An inclusive environment thrives when all voices, regardless of background, belief, and ability, are acknowledged and valued. Together, we can create a community that inspires all students to reach their full potential in an accepting and safe environment.
Diversity and Inclusion at DA
View All
DA Designated as No Place for Hate School
We would like to acknowledge that Denver Academy sits on Cheyenne land and that they were the land’s original stewards. We also wish to acknowledge all other Indigenous Tribes and Nations who call Colorado home. We commit to care for this land and to support indigenous peoples.
Denver Academy’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
We are committed to seeking
Justice
as we identify systemic barriers in education, practicing
Equity
so each student thrives in our community, celebrating the
Diversity
of backgrounds and experiences on our campus, and advocating for the
Inclusion
of all who attend our school.
JEDI Student Groups at DA
List of 3 items.
Students of Color and Allies (SOCA)
The mission of SOCA is to embrace unity through respect in order to create an empowered, diverse, and safe community. This student-led group began in the 2019-20 school year and is open to ALL middle and high school students. SOCA is unique to Denver Academy and was founded by student leaders. SOCA meets bi-monthly during lunch periods.
Young JEDIs
The Young JEDI mission is to build a stronger, safer community by advancing students’ abilities to empathize, achieve common goals, and build a sense of community. The Young JEDI program is project-based and woven into the monthly character values of the Elementary Division.
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Since 2009, DA has proudly supported the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA). The goal of this group is to create a safe and affirming school community for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Denver Academy’s GSA groups in both Middle and High School are registered nationally with
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network)
. The groups meet bi-monthly during lunch periods.
Professional Development
Each year, DA sends representatives to the
Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and the People of Color Conference (PoCC).
These diversity leadership conferences are presented by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). They provide an opportunity for DA representatives to gather with more than 7,800 adults and students from independent schools across the country to learn, collaborate, and support one another and to bring this knowledge back to our community. Teachers have also participated in professional development workshops with
Learning for Justice
,
Facing History
,
Educating Children of Color
,
Diversity University
, and the
Colorado Diversity Network.
Colorado Diversity Network (CDN)
Denver Academy is one of eight founding member schools of this network. The
Colorado Diversity Network
is a group of independent schools working in collaboration to create a statewide network of faculty and staff training focused on issues of equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging in the classroom. Below are some examples of events and workshops presented by CDN and attended by DA teachers and staff:
Rosetta Lee - Keynote at Anti-Racism in Action Conference
Intro to Anti-Bias and Anti-Racism in the Classroom by Liz Kleinrock
Joel Baum from
Gender Spectrum
Social Justice 101 with
Learning for Justice
featuring Dr. Sarah-Soonling Blackburn
Health and Wellness through an Identity Lens with Julie Lutton
Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist Instructional Practices for K-6 Educators with
Britt Hawthorne
DEIB Events
At Denver Academy, our students engage in several nationally-recognized events promoting DEIB work. Some of these events include:
The GSA sponsors
No Name-Calling Week | GLSEN
Young JEDIs participate in
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
SOCA promotes
International Identity Day
Schoolwide we celebrate
International Day of Peace | United Nations
Meet the JEDI Team
List of 5 members.
Katie
Bradford
Dean of Arts & Media/JEDI Chair
Read Bio
An educator with over 20 years of experience, Katie Bradford serves not only as JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Chair but also as Dean of the Arts and Media Department at Denver Academy. Mrs. Bradford is committed to making our community a safe and inclusive space for all learners. In recognition of her diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging accomplishments, Katie has received inclusive leader awards from Diversity IS, GlobalMindED, and the Mizel Museum. She was also named Queer Literacy Educator of the Year by CU Boulder and has also been honored by Denver Academy with Teacher of the Year and Lifetime Achievement (Wings of the Future) awards. Mrs. Bradford serves on the executive leadership team for the Colorado Diversity Network.
Anthony
Slaughter
Director of Information Technology/JEDI Co-Chair
Read Bio
Anthony Slaughter has taught in the classroom and by example at DA since 1990. He cares about people and about making their day better through the use of technology. Anthony has been at the helm of many large projects at DA including installing a wireless infrastructure and rolling out a 1:1 iPad program. In addition to his duties as the Director of IT, Anthony is co-chair of DA's
JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) group
. In 2013, he received DA's Staff Member of the Year award.
Mr. Slaughter attended Carnegie Mellon University and Colorado State University - Global Campus.
Cece
Duhamel
Middle School Teacher
Katey
Frankel
10th Grade Teacher
Hannah
Topka
Elementary Teacher
Read Bio
Ms. Topka is excited to start her first year at Denver Academy! She is so happy to be a part of the wonderful Denver Academy community. She enjoys hiking with her dog, running before school, and exploring new places. Ms. Topka grew up in Colorado but spent the last four years in D.C. teaching at The Lab School of Washington. She moved home this summer to be near family and the mountains. She received her BA in psychology from Denison University and her MA in special education from American University.
Find Us
4400 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80222
Main/Attendance: 303.777.5870
Admissions: 303.777.5161
General:
info@denveracademy.org
About
Denver Academy is an independent private school for grades 2-12 located in Denver, CO. DA
inspires and empowers a diverse group of learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education.
Sign Up for DA Dateline Monthly Newsletter
Member
© 2022 Denver Academy. All Rights Reserved.