Burke Life
Equity & Inclusion
Our Programs
Founded in 1968, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Burke was racially integrated, co-educational, and secular from its first day – even eschewing rules as to students' hair and dress. In the 21st century, we are responsible both to our school's founding vision and to its evolution. Schools, like all institutions, are not immune to the prejudices and biases that infuse our nation. An inclusive, welcoming school community is an ongoing project – and how we foster it will change and develop over time.
By design, Burke brings together students (and adults) "who are different from one another in many ways." Our Equity & Inclusion Department takes a comprehensive view of the school experience, from reviewing policies to assisting with new curriculum, to ensure that students from myriad backgrounds and identities are able to thrive here – academically, extracurricularly, socially.
Here are some ways that work looks in practice:
By design, Burke brings together students (and adults) "who are different from one another in many ways." Our Equity & Inclusion Department takes a comprehensive view of the school experience, from reviewing policies to assisting with new curriculum, to ensure that students from myriad backgrounds and identities are able to thrive here – academically, extracurricularly, socially.
Here are some ways that work looks in practice:
List of 7 items.
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Affinity Spaces
Asian Student AssociationBlack Girls MeetBlack Student UnionBoys Leading BoysFaith in FocusFeminist CooperativeFusion (multiracial students)Latine/Hispanic Student UnionJewish Affinity GroupMiddle School Students of ColorQueer Student Association
Students Against AbleismWhite Allies for Values of EquityYoung Black Men
"Affinity groups help create a “brave space” in which people can explore issues of shared identities and experiences; they can affirm their emotional and intellectual responses to being part of a distinct subset of the larger school community." - Ashley Greene, The Churchill School and Center in New York City -
Annual Conferences
In recent years, students and faculty have attended:- Belonging in Gender and Sexual Identity (BGSI)
- Diversity in the DMV
- Georgetown Day School Sexual Assault and Consent Summit
- GLEAN (Girls Leadership, Empowerment, and Networking) Conference
- Independent School Gender and Sexuality Awareness Summit
- NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference
- St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Middle School Diversity Conference
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Anti-Racist Classrooms
In Fall 2022, all faculty and staff participated in a training with The Wells Collective, led by Dr. Shari Berga and Akailah McIntyre. They were guided through personal reflections around their own identities, the ways systems of oppression manifest in school culture, and given tools to make equitable choices within the classroom. Our Board of Trustees participated in a similar training in February, also with The Wells Collective. -
Athletics Training
In partnership with our Athletic Department, Sharielle A. (Equity, Inclusion & Civic Engagement) created and facilitated a training with Burke's coaches that covered characteristics of an equitable team, stereotypes, and discrimination in sports.
This training will occur at the start of every trimester, and all coaches are required to attend. -
Department Leadership
Sharielle Applewhite, MSWDirector of Equity, Inclusion, and Civic EngagementUniversity of Connecticut - B.A.
Hunter College - M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)202-362-8882 x657 -
Gender and Sexuality Series
Past Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Matison H. D. '14 (English) developed the "Gender and Sexuality Series," a presentation that explores gender identity and expression, inclusive language, and social activism through an intersectional framework. Matison delivered the presentation during grade meetings in 2022-23 and held follow-up discussions in advisory and homeroom. -
Task Forces
Reaching Equity and Change Taskforce (REACT)A collective of high school students that works to combat "identity based discrimination in the school community through discussions and behind-the scene advocacy work"
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Catalyzing Engagement
Read MoreOn September 25, our Equity, Inclusion & Civic Engagement (EICE) department organized the Civic Engagement Fair, connecting students with service and advocacy organizations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia – and encouraging them to explore volunteer opportunities that speak to them. -
Exploring Our Environment
Read MoreFrom May 21-24, the 11th grade engaged in a four-day, multi-site workshop on environmental justice and youth advocacy.On the first day, hosted at UDC, students heard from opening keynote speaker Kori Ellien (Environmental & Special Projects Division of Native Americans in Philanthropy) and then participated in three breakout sessions with guest facilitators, focused on Land & Water on Native reservations, People & Culture, and Animals & Wildlife. Matt Scott from Project Drawdown delivered the closing keynote. -
Grace Mann '12 Speaker Series
On May 29, Burke welcomed Matt Scott for the Grace Mann '12 Speaker Series. Honoring the memory of a Burke alum who was passionate about social justice and advocacy, this annual speaker series reflects those same passions.Read More -
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Exploring Common Ground
For Assembly on May 1, Burke hosted Hurunnessa Fariad, Outreach Director at Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, and Rabbi Alexandra Stein from Temple Rodef Shalom. In conversation with Sharielle, they discussed how their different faith traditions inform how they navigate differences and find common ground when possible.Read More -
Interfaith Conversation
Last month, Faith in Focus hosted a joint Passover and Ramadan program (beautifully led by Elena M. '26), with help from the Jewish Affinity Group – culminating in a Friday afternoon gathering, where students and adults sampled an array of foods, including dates (used to break the fast during Ramadan) and charoset (served during the Passover seder).Read More -
Election Engagement
This winter, ten 10th graders (selected by their peers) represented Burke at the DC Project Soapbox speech competition.Read More -
Nourishing Partnerships
On April 3 and 5, the 9th grade (in two groups) volunteered at Capital Area Food Bank as part of their social justice framework, which focuses on food insecurity in DC. First, students worked in the warehouse and packed boxes of food for senior citizens, a demographic who particularly suffers from food insecurity. Together, both groups packed an impressive 1,641 boxes.Read More -
The Voices of History
On February 22, our Black Student Union, Black Girls Meet, and Young Black Men affinity groups mounted a powerful celebration of Black History Month at assembly, encompassing poetry, film, trivia, and performance. The assembly concluded with a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," bringing together singers from across all grades.Read More -
8th Grade: Experience History
On February 12, the 8th grade embarked on their annual, four-day civil rights tour through Alabama, as part of their social justice framework. The trip begins in Birmingham, then moves among Montgomery, Selma, and Lowndes County.Read More -
Leadership on the Road: Part 2
Read MoreFrom November 29 to December 2, six students represented Burke at the annual NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Participants learned about different strategies to catalyze change, while engaging in self-reflection and forming connections with students from all over the country. -
On Their Soapboxes
Each fall, 10th graders research and write a "Soapbox Speech," addressing the question, "What is one issue that I care about in my community?" This past December, students delivered their final speeches in advisory and to the full grade. Ten student speakers, chosen by their peers, represented Burke at Mikva Challenge DC's Project Soapbox: Ayla M. '26, Carson A. '26, Elena M. '26, Ethan F. '26, Johnny V. '26, Matilda P. '26, Maya D. '26, Sydney J. '26, Taylor S. '26, and Tony C. '26.Read More -
Leadership on the Road: Part 1
On November 11, Sophia H. '25 and Carson A. '26 attended the Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference (BSDLC), "You Won’t Break My Soul: Speaking Truth to Power," at the Sandy Spring Friends School. Sophia and Carson joined about 160 students and 35 faculty and staff from over 26 different schools from DC, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. They engaged in community-building, learning ,and empowerment and experienced poetry performed by DewMore Baltimore.Read More -
Affinity at Assembly
On September 20, student leaders and advisors talked about the mission and goals for each affinity group in the year to come. Groups start meeting in early October on two different schedules, and students are welcome to join more than one.Read More -
Assembling for Activism
On May 31, Burke hosted Rachel Klein from the Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism at assembly, where she spoke about the history of anti-semitism and anti-semitic stereotypes in American society and media – and how students can better identify and speak out against them in daily life. Founded more than sixty years ago, the RAC seeks to "educate, inspire, and mobilize the Reform Jewish Movement to advocate for social justice."Read More -
Student Spotlight: Cary T. T. '25
Earlier this year, all 10th graders researched and crafted "Project Soapbox" speeches, with four Burke students moving on to the DC citywide competition. Cary T. T. '25 was named one of the top 10 speakers at Soapbox DC in December, and was then selected to attend Soapbox Nation, "the next level opportunity for students from across the country."Read More -
Grace Mann '12 Speaker Series
On Wednesday, May 17, Burke welcomed Liz Kleinrock for the annual Grace Mann '12 Speaker Series. Honoring the memory of a Burke alum who was passionate about social justice and advocacy, the speaker series reflects those same passions. At Wednesday's assembly, Liz took questions from a panel of student affinity group leaders, discussing identity, student activism, and how to foster inclusive environments.Read More -
Affinity & Department Spotlights
Affinity SpotlightRead More
In early May, numerous affinity groups celebrated their final meetings with seniors, including the Latine / Hispanic Student Union (LHSU) – whose seniors requested a going-away dance party, paired with Peruvian alfajores, thanks to affinity leader Maite B. G. '24. Special shout-out to beloved seniors Julia V. B. '23, Sam S. '23, and Valentina C. '23, who couldn't attend the celebration due to AP testing. -
From History to Today
For the first time since 2019, the 8th grade traveled to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama, for a four-day immersion in the Civil Rights Movement in the American South. On the first day, students and teachers visited the 16th St. Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and Bethel Baptist Church, before meeting with Civil Rights speakers Dr. Martha Bouyer and Dr. Carolyn McKinstry, who survived the 1963 bombing.Read More -
On Food Justice
Throughout the school year, the 9th grade explores food justice in the DC region, including through direct service with longtime partner Capital Area Food Bank – where 9th graders spent a full day on the Wednesday or Friday before break.Read More
Leadership & Equity Coordinators
List of 2 members.
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Sharielle Applewhite
Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Civic EngagementUniversity of Connecticut - B.A.
Hunter College - M.S.W. -
Kamilah Souvenir
Senior Coordinator of Equity, Inclusion, and Civic Engagement / Track & Field Assistant CoachAmerican University - M.Ed
Arizona State University - B.A.
Arizona State University - B.A.
List of 2 items.
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Civic Engagement Programs
Every year, students experience an integrated civics, equity, and leadership curriculum, in partnership with nonprofit organizations. For example:- High School - 10th graders delve into Action Civics, completing the Soapbox Project with Mikva Challenge DC
- Middle School - 8th graders study the American Civil Rights Movement, leading up to a week-long trip to Alabama in the spring
> Learn more here. -
Tuition & Financial Aid at Burke
According to US News, "education experts say the cost of private schools is often the largest barrier to creating more racial and ethnic diversity" (2021).
At Burke, need-based Financial Aid is a top priority, constituting 15% of our budget annually and providing aid to more than one-third of our families. Financial Aid supports participation in all school-sponsored academic and extracurricular activities, ensuring that school life is fully open to every student. Burke also provides financial assistance with the morning bus and lunch service.
Our Board of Trustees has also prioritized slowing tuition growth overall, and Burke continues to include books, field trips, and materials in the cost of tuition.
Resources & Reading
- CONNECTdmv: Closing access and opportunity gaps for families and students of color at DMV independent schools
- NPR: Videos like the Tyre Nichols footage can be traumatic; an expert shares ways to cope (2023)
- Southern Education Foundation: A History of Private Schools and Race in the American South (2016)
- Stop AAPI Hate: Our communities stand united against racism
- The Atlantic: When Minority Students Attend Elite Private Schools (2013)
Our Context
While famously dubbed "the great equalizer" by Horace Mann in 1848, educational opportunity in the United States was – and yet remains – inequitable in its offerings and outcomes. In the mid and late-20th century, landmark court cases and legislation greatly broadened educational access for long-marginalized groups. But much remains to be done. Following these historic advancements, how do schools ensure equity on their own scale?
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Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-362-8882 | Fax: 202-362-1914