Many Voices, One Hotchkiss

The Office of Pluralism & Community is committed to fostering and sustaining an inclusive Hotchkiss learning community and culture in which every student can reach their true potential by bringing their full self to every aspect of school life. We believe that students are inspired, excel, and thrive when embracing and leveraging the ideas and lived experiences of their peers and other community members.

The Office of Pluralism & Community provides a wide range of resources, programming, and services to ensure all community members feel a strong sense of belonging, feel celebrated, and have equal access.

“I was inspired to this work by a former graduate Kanghee Lee '17, who implored me to support the Asian students because the need was great. I am so grateful for her because she and her classmates helped establish some support structures to serve the Pan Asian students. Seeing students empowered is powerful. Hearing students feel validated and thankful for a space to share makes every second worthwhile. Learning from the students and admiring their leadership make an opportunity for growth for everyone. Even after attending the NAIS Diversity Leadership Conference as well as the National Diversity Practitioners Institute, I continue to learn with our community. I see the magically healing power in providing space and opportunities for those who might not have had the opportunity in the past.”

– Pierre Yoo, Associate Director of Pluralism & Community, Instructor in Chemistry, Pan Asian Advocacy, Head of Edelman Dormitory, Head Coach for Boys Cross Country

“My commitment to pluralism stems from a lifelong fascination with the plurality and diversity of religion and religious expression. As an educator committed to diversity in our school and as a scholar of religious studies, I am also intensely interested in exploring the intersectionality of race and religion, and my work as a teacher and as school chaplain affords me the chance to learn with my students as we work together to ensure that religious diversity is a valuable partner with other identities represented at Hotchkiss. It is an honor to be part of such a dedicated team as we do this work!”

– Jason Larson, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, Instructor in Philosophy and Religion

“One of the great advantages of the boarding school model of education is that we can bring together an artificial microcosm of the greater world. The chance to live, work, play, and learn with people from a huge range of backgrounds means that learning can happen in formal and informal settings. As a member of the Pluralism and Community team I am grateful for the chance to work collaboratively with adult and student colleagues to help our community move beyond the superficial. I hope we can encourage a campus culture where students are interested in hearing honest opinions, standing in solidarity with other communities in moments of crisis, developing more empathy for other experiences, and trying to learn to inhabit different perspectives.”

– David Thompson, Director of International Programs, Faculty Advisor to De Colores