DEI Programming: Learning Together Through 13th

At IMSA, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming is all about building a community where everyone feels included and understood. This year, DEI training focused on Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th, exploring the 13th Amendment and how it has shaped systemic racism, mass incarceration, and the struggles of marginalized communities in America. Both juniors and seniors participated in this programing, each approaching the film’s lessons meaningfully.

Seniors: Reflecting and Leading Discussions

Seniors started by watching 13th, then broke into small groups for guided discussions. These conversations, led by Junior Facilitators and Resident Counselors (RCs), covered important themes from the film. They were asked to reflect on the documentary through questions including:

• How did 13th make you feel or what did it teach you?
• Can you relate what you saw in the documentary to your own life or the world around you?
• What can we do, individually and as a community, to challenge the injustices it highlights?

These sessions encouraged seniors to dig deep and think critically about their role as leaders and changemakers. Meanwhile, juniors and RCs made sure the discussions were productive and open, creating a space for honest sharing. This setup also allowed seniors and juniors to learn from one another, blending their unique perspectives.

Junior: Problem-Solving and Creativity

Reflecting on the same film, Juniors worked on real-world scenarios connected to systemic racism and equity in their small groups. Their task? Create a slideshow that analyzes the issues in their scenario and proposes realistic solutions. This activity pushed juniors to think critically, work together, and come up with actionable ideas for tackling complex problems. Presenting their slideshows also gave them a chance to practice communicating their thoughts and ideas effectively. 

Working Together: Building Understanding

One of the coolest parts of this year’s DEI programming was how it brought juniors and seniors together. Juniors gained leadership experience by guiding seniors’ discussions, while seniors got fresh insights from juniors. Both groups learned from the 13th and from each other, building empathy and a shared understanding along the way.

Moving Forward: A Stronger IMSA Community

This year’s DEI program reminded IMSA students of the power that comes from  shared experiences and creating an inclusive community. Seniors had the chance to reflect on their responsibilities as future leaders, while juniors learned how to think creatively and lead effectively. As IMSA continues to prioritize equity and inclusion, programs like this bring the community closer and help students grow into compassionate leaders who can make a difference in the world.