Diversifying and Improving an Elite School

An elite school was struggling with the mandated admittance of a new minority into its traditions that strongly favored a homogenous student population.  Minority students were mistreated and disadvantaged, but bullying was done in such a way that it appeared to be part of the school’s hazing tradition, and the isolation of students prevented them from effectively banning together for a collective action.  Moreover, the elite status of the school and their unique chance for attendance made it hard for these high-achievers to want to complain.  Nova’s training brought the school’s leadership to redirect the negative energy projected onto the minority students and channel it into recognizing how their diversity contributed value to the school as a whole.  The administration also created physical space for the minority students, allowing them room and time to congregate, communicate, and support one another.  Soon the entire school was convinced of the distinct contributions of the minority students who were welcomed into the mix and completely integrated into positions of opportunity and student leadership.