"It demonstrated to me how important diversity is for all of us, how important it is to have a wide array of perspectives in your community," Harris said. "This conference really showed me you are able to look past differences, and these issues we find with each other are so miniscule. Looking past and seeing humans as humans is so important in order to better society and better the world."

The students said they appreciated interacting with peers in the many affinity groups that were available. Campbell said she felt at home in the Black affinity group, which included some 500 students.

"It was just powerful to see all of us collaboriate in that one space, sharing our identity," she said. "It showed me there is a need for solidarity and connectedness within people's shared identity."

The students were joined by professional community members Karina Buhler, Robin Escobedo and Shaida Escoffery Whitley, who traveled with them to attend the parallel People of Color Conference hosted by the National Association of Independent Schools. (Professional community members David Li, Brittney Ellzey Mujica and Nathan West also attended.)

"I was really inspired by a lot of the stories," Escobedo said, "and a lot of what I learned."

A day later, the students addressed their upper school peers during another assembly at the Lewis Family Auditorium. 

The theme of the SDLC was "Lifting As We Climb: Elevating Our Schools Through Love and Justice." The PoCC carried the theme "Meeting the Moment: Anchoring and Enriching Our Education Futures." Both events offered equity seminars, master classes, affinity groups and workshops. The RE panelists encouraged middle school students to consider attending future conferences and participating in the upper school Diversity Council when the opportunities become available.