Pike at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions about Affinity and Multicultural Groups

What is an affinity group?
An affinity group is created for a group of people who share a common experience.  Our affinity group is designed to empower students of color through a focus on race and culture as they negotiate their experiences at a predominantly white school.  The goal of our affinity group is to facilitate positive identity exploration and development for students of color.  The group will offer a time and space for empowerment of the individual and of the group within the greater community.

I am interested in diversity.  Why can’t I (a white student) attend the affinity group meetings?
Affinity group meetings will provide students of color with an environment in which they can share experiences and discuss issues related to race and diversity.  In order to candidly discuss these issues, only students who share the affinity can be present at the meetings.  Interest in diversity and multiculturalism is encouraged and welcomed through attendance at the multicultural group meetings, which are open to all students, including members of the affinity group. 

Who decides who attends the Upper School affinity and multicultural group meetings?
Students who identify as persons of color can join the affinity group.  Any student, regardless of how he/she identifies, is welcome to join the multicultural group, including members of the affinity group.  Both groups are open to Upper School students. To make sure that meetings feel safe for all to speak, conversations are confidential.

How do the Middle School affinity and multicultural group differ from the Upper School groups?
All students may join the Middle School affinity group provided their parents sign a permission slip.  Meetings alternate between those for children of color and those open to all. Students participate in activities and reflect on them. They take part in large- and small-group discussions. To make sure that meetings feel safe for all to speak, conversations are confidential.

What is the affinity group doing in the meeting?  What is going on in there?
The students and their faculty advisors are discussing issues of diversity that affect their lives, whether at Pike or at home.  The conversations are student-generated and run, while guided by the faculty advisors.  The faculty advisors are present to support the group both during and outside the meetings.

I treat everyone the same.  Why is Pike pointing out our differences?
While there are many similarities in the lives of Pike students, there are also differences.  We believe it is important for students of color at Pike to have a time and place to speak with peers who share common experiences regarding race.  Our affinity group is not creating divisions, but rather honoring the experiences that students of color already encounter. 

With whom do I speak about my questions regarding the affinity or multicultural group?
Middle School group leaders:  Aiko Onishi, Vanessa Hynes, and Becky Miller
Upper School group leaders:  Betsy DeVries, Nyvette Grady, Lori Goldenberg, and Amy Salvatore
For general questions, please contact Head of Middle School, Bo Baird, or Head of Upper School, Laura Russell.