Student filmmakers from Packer Collegiate Institute answer Catlin Gabel student questions in a live video chat.

What is the Diversity Conference?

The Diversity Conference at Catlin Gabel's upper school celebrates the diversity in our community -- scholastic, civic, and global.  Students determine the structure and thematic focuses of the event each year.  All-school assemblies allow us to host speakers and performers, while smaller workshop sessions built into the schedule invite in-depth discussions and activities.  The offerings of the conference help us to challenge our preconceptions of what "diversity" means, to see the rich tapestry of story, history, and heritage behind each face in our community.  In hosting the conference, Ujima (the upper school diversity club) does not limit consideration of diversity to one day -- rather, it is a chance for students to investigate topics beyond the regular curriculum.

The 2009 Diversity Conference featured the award-winning film "Sticks and Stones," produced by students at Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, NY.  The film focuses on the phrases people use without thinking in day-to-day speech, such as "that's so gay."  In our assembly, the filmmakers hosted a Q&A session with the CGS student body over video chat -- the highlight of an enjoyable and thoughtful day.

Click here for a viewable schedule for the 2009 conference.

Click here for thumbnail descriptions of last year's workshops

History

Originally, the conference hosted students from all around Portland, representing several area schools.  An article describing the first conference follows:

Catlin Gabel School Hosts Portland’s First Student-Driven High School Diversity And Leadership Conference, 350 Students Expected To Attend
Read the 2003 press release