Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Affinity Groups at Bank Street

Explore how all children and adults can learn through affinities shared by students, parents, and faculty

At Bank Street School for Children, we believe in the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and valued. Our affinity groups provide students, families, and faculty with safe spaces to connect, reflect, and learn from each other. These groups are essential in promoting our values across our diverse community, and they help foster personal growth, empathy, leadership, and a better understanding of other people in our school and out in the larger world.

Affinity groups are used to support members of our community to explore the lived experiences of people who have affinities in how they identify. These opportunities are provided for everyone and no one is denied the chance to join any learning experience they are interested in exploring. We encourage all members of our community to participate in these groups to deepen connections and promote a community-wide sense of belonging.

Student Affinity Groups

  • Lower School

    Affinity groups are a key part of our Lower School identity curriculum, starting in first grade (6/7s) through fourth grade (9/10s). These groups are open to all students and allow them to explore their identities, connect with peers who share similar experiences, and gain tools for navigating and celebrating diversity.

    Available Affinity Groups in the Lower School

    • General Discussion & Thinking Space: A space for students to learn about how race affects them and how affinity groups support individuals in their racial identity development.
    • Kids of Color Affinity Group (KOC): A space for students to learn about the lived experiences and cultures of Black, African American, Caribbean, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, or multiracial people and families.
    • Multiracial Affinity Group: A space for students to learn about the lived experiences and cultures of biracial or multiracial people and families.
    • White Anti-Racist Affinity Group: A space for students to learn about the lived experiences and cultures of White people, with opportunities to explore ways to contribute to racial justice.
    • Gender Spectrum Alliance Club (GSA): Starting in second grade (7/8s), this group supports students to learn about gender, gender identity, and expression. Separate meetings for third (8/9s) and fourth (9/10s) graders maintain an open-door policy for students to explore gender identity at their own pace.
    • Banana Splits: A space for our younger students to learn about the lived experiences of families impacted by separation, divorce, or other changes, this group provides support to process and cope in a community-building environment.
  • Upper School

    In the Upper School, optional affinity groups continue to provide a supportive space for students to explore their identities, share experiences, and develop skills for navigating diverse environments. These groups are open to all students and promote personal growth, encourage self-reflection, and foster a stronger sense of community.

    Available Affinity Groups in the Upper School

    • Banana Splits: A space for our older students to learn about the lived experiences of families impacted by separation, divorce, or other changes, this group provides support to process and cope with chance and loss in a community-building environment.
    • Black Students Affinity Group: A space for students to learn about the lived experiences of Black people, with a focus on the intersection of gender identity at times as well. 
    • White Anti-Racist Affinity Group: A space for students to learn about the lived experiences and cultures of White people, with opportunities to explore ways to contribute to racial justice.
    • Gender Spectrum Alliance (GSA): A space for students to learn about the lived experiences of people identifying as LGBTQIA+ and explore emerging aspects of attraction as well as gender identity and expression.
    • Kids of Color Affinity Group (KOC): A space for students to learn about the lived experiences of  people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
    • Jewish Affinity Group: A space for students to learn about the lived experiences of Jewish people.

Family Affinity Groups

In collaboration with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Bank Street’s affinity groups for families offer parents and caregivers a space to come together, share experiences, and support one another. These groups provide opportunities for reflection, learning, and community-building through events, guest speakers, and celebrations.

Available Affinity Groups for Families:

  • Parents of Children of Color (POCOC): This group has offered a platform for parents to connect and share their experiences while raising children who identify as Black, African American, Caribbean, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, or multiracial. POCOC organizes events like the “Bank Street’s Got Talent” talent show.
  • Learning Diverse Resource Group: Guided by Learning Specialists and the Leadership team, this group creates a space for our community to explore and address the diverse learning needs of our students while fostering collaboration and sharing resources.
  • White Anti-Racist Affinity Group: This group explores the lived experiences of parents who identify as White and ways to contribute to making Bank Street an anti-racist institution.
  • Raising Gender Diverse Children: This group is dedicated to families who have interest in supporting our community of children who are exploring emerging aspects of attraction as well as gender identity and expression, while working alongside the school to ensure policies and practices are inclusive and affirming.
  • LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group: This group welcomes families from all backgrounds—including queer, trans, non-binary, and ally families—to explore common needs, share experiences, and promote visibility for all. The group organizes events like the Bank Street VISIBILITY Exhibit and Pride Month activities.
  • Jewish Families Affinity Group: This group provides a space for families to share experiences and explore cultural identity, with a focus on supporting Jewish children and families in response to rising anti-Semitism and violence against Jewish communities worldwide.
  • Adoption Affinity Group (formerly Touched by Adoption, TbA): This group explores the lived experiences of families formed through adoption, raising awareness of adoption-related issues and advocating for inclusive practices that support all families within the school community.
  • International Parent Affinity Group (IPAG): This group provides an opportunity for our community to better understand the lived experiences of international families, fostering connections and promoting cultural awareness to bridge the gap between immigrant and newcomer experiences.
  • Single Family Household Affinity Group: This group provides our community opportunities to engage in learning more about the lived experiences of  families with one adult caregiver and to share strategies and resources, strengthening bonds within the community.

Staff Affinity Groups

At the School for Children, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in affinity groups that provide spaces for reflection, shared learning, and community-building. These groups allow educators to connect with colleagues who share similar identities or experiences, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic school culture.

Available Affinity Groups for Faculty and Staff:

  • Educators of Color (EOC): A space for faculty to connect, share experiences, and discuss challenges related to race and identity, while advocating for equity, inclusion, and support for all faculty and students.
  • Jewish Faculty Group: A community for faculty to come together, reflect on shared experiences, and explore ways to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for Jewish faculty, students, and families.
  • Anti-Racist Faculty Group: A space for faculty to explore their roles in addressing systemic racism and contribute to fostering racial justice and inclusion, while supporting all members of the school community.
  • LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Allies Group: A supportive space for faculty and allies to discuss issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation, advocate for LGBTQIA+ students, and promote awareness, inclusion, and acceptance within the broader school community.