As part of its goal to promote diversity and inclusion in the community, the school has organized multiple events recognizing Latinx Heritage Month. The month, also known as Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrates the achievements, history, and culture of Hispanic and Latinx people from September 15 to October 15. 

On campus, a series of events celebrating Latinx Heritage Month began with guest speaker Jonathan Andrew Peréz ’00, who discussed his own experiences as a Latino student at the school. Mr. Peréz touched on the work to be done at the school to achieve a truly inclusive community. He said to students, “I think your generation, the generation that we’re relying on in 2020, is a generation that’s about to fight systemic inequity.” 

Affinity groups Men of Color at Hotchkiss (MoCaH), Café, and De Colores all participated in Latinx Heritage Month by hosting virtual events, including open forums for students that identify as Latinx to share their experiences. The Black and Hispanic Students Association’s (BaHSA) conversations this month have focused on aspects of Hispanic and Latinx identities. BaHSA plans to place greater emphasis on Latinx identity in future meetings. De Colores has also highlighted significant Latinx figures on its Instagram page (@hkiss_decolores). Its website provides background information on the demographics, food, and culture of various Latin American countries, some of which students call home. Keeilah Jewell ’22, co-head of BaHSA, said, “It’s important to celebrate, acknowledge, and uplift the cultures and backgrounds for groups of marginalized people. We want to engage in tricky conversations and learn new material.” 

Much work remains to be done in uplifting the stories of Latinx community members throughout this month and beyond. Mr. Yassine Talhaoui, director of diversity and inclusion, said, “Through programming, we are addressing and reducing biases that exist within our community. The school is drawing needed attention and education to those who may not be familiar with the history and contributions of Americans with Latinx backgrounds, as the community continues to face stereotypes, often perpetuated by the media.” 

Many community members look forward to events celebrating National Coming Out Day on Sunday, October 11 as part of LGBTQ History Month in October.