The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA)
is dedicated to a powerful vision: designing for community and belonging. Developing community is an everyday practice — a co-created, ongoing process that takes intentionality, commitment, and genuine care. As an institution, OMA creates space and implement strategies to ensure community members feel recognized, appreciated, listened to, and integrated.
Areas of Focus
OMA is committed to developing a sense of belonging in partnership with all community members, and in coordination with senior leadership.
Shared Language and Values
At Lawrenceville, we understand community not as a static concept, but as an active, daily practice of connection and care. We are committed to co-creating belonging with every community member, intentionally designing spaces and strategies where each individual feels truly seen, valued, and integrated. Our approach goes beyond mere inclusion — we seek to cultivate an environment where every person can flourish and thrive.
Community Practices
Community Practices are the heartbeat of how we learn, grow, and support one another — a comprehensive approach that transforms how we interact, learn, and care for our shared community and environment. Central to our Community Practices is Community Discourse, which we define as a way of engaging that prioritizes careful, deep listening, spirited and respectful debate, thoughtful and nuanced deliberation, and moments of quiet reflection. This approach isn't just about exchanging ideas; it's about creating meaningful bonds that connect us more deeply as a learning community.
Joyful Gatherings
We are committed to creating spaces of connection and celebration, with students and faculty partnering to host events like Hispanic Heritage Month and Lunar New Year. OMA works closely with student affinity groups and cultural clubs to plan these celebrations, while also creating opportunities and providing support for meetings, other events, and coalition building. The School also offers many religious life groups spanning the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim faiths.
Student Engagement
Our student government includes a Diversity Council (DivCo) — a vibrant, student-led group committed to the vision of Lawrenceville as a space where everyone experiences a sense of belonging. Led by the Student Council Diversity Representative, DivCo meets regularly with OMA to plan school-wide events, including Lunch and Dialogue, International Night, and Community Day. DivCo members regularly engage in Circle Practice and other activities to discuss the lived experiences at Lawrenceville and the world beyond its gates and to develop their own capacities as leaders on campus. DivCo has an elected leadership body and its meetings are open to all Lawrenceville students.