Middle School Students Attend Equity & Inclusion Summit

Seven members from the Middle School Diversity Club, accompanied by Middle School Diversity Coordinator and History Teacher Dan So-Schoos, participated in the fourth annual Middle School Equity and Inclusion Summit at Gill St. Bernard’s School on Saturday, October 21. This conference brings together seventh and eighth grade students from independent schools across New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area.  This year’s event featured Dr. Marsha Maxwell, a neuroscience and artificial intelligence expert and educator, as the keynote speaker, along with breakout group discussions and activities designed to help the students explore the intersections of technology and diversity. For example, if artificial intelligence (AI) tools are relying on current web-based content to create their products, and if this content is lacking broad and authentic representation from marginalized communities, how accurate and capable can these tools truly be? Students were able to explore both the potential of and limitations of different tech tools, share their experiences, and discuss how these issues can impact their school communities. The Summit ended with an opportunity for the students to share the results of some AI-themed work that Dr. Maxwell had designed, which included both visual and musical applications. “It was exciting to see our students thoughtfully engaging with important questions that are raised by this cutting edge technology,” remarked Dan. “The core values that underpin our MFS mission statement and guide our diversity, equity, and community work will undoubtedly need to be central when framing our guidance and practices around these new technologies.”

Participants (8th grade): Alex Bienstock, Zoe Dasgupta, Jaden Graham, Bersu Ozbay, Nolan Phillips, Sanaa Rodwell-Simon; (7th grade): Sabina Henneberry.