It began with a chorus of voices and  four words: “What’s in a name?”

Students from the Common Ground Affinity Group shared personal stories of identity and struggle at the Middle and Upper School Faculty Diversity Forum on Mar. 11.  The performance was hosted by the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, headed up by Diversity Dean Karen Dye and in partnership with Sarah Bellamy of Penumbra Theater.

Throughout the performance, the nodding heads and focused attention showed how drawn into the experience the faculty was.  The occasional “yes,” or inward draw of breath was heard when a particular truth, difficult disclosure, or poetic line came through the monologues.

Each of the 13 students present shared an experience from a class, with a peer, or at home that brought to light the personal complexity of race and identity.  Much of what they shared addressed how SPA fits into that equation as both an opportunity and a complication.

Their final words were met with a standing ovation from the faculty.

Common Ground started last year and serves as a source of support and advocacy for students.  Read more about them from The RubicOnline archives:

Affinity Group formed amid controversy (Nov. 27, 2012)

Common Ground remains well-grounded student group:  (Feb 11, 2013)