Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

IN AFFINITY

The role of affinity groups in educational spaces is to foster a secure environment for identity development, mental wellbeing, inquiry around the nuanced experiences present even within affinity communities, and activation of discussion into transformation. An opportunity to engage in community immersion is a core component of adolescent development of systematically marginalized communities at historically predominantly white institutions (pwi’s) and educational institutions as a whole. Student affinity groups are for those who can identify within the community by using personal pronouns—“I” or “we”—and are led by student activists and supported by faculty within the affinity groups that are actively engaged with their own anti-bias anti-racism journeys.
Black Student Union (BSU)
BSU offers a safe space for all Thacher's Black students, where they may discuss racial issues, globally and within Thacher. It also offers a casual place for members to get to know each other and hang out. First record of a BSU at Thacher was in the 1970’s, re-established and sustained in 2013. 

Female Aligned Student Association (FASA)
FASA is for female-aligned, femme-aligned, women-aligned students as it relates to the gender spectrum, in addition to non-binary and gender expansive students with similar alignment. They provide a space for important dialogue, mutual respect and support. Established in 2024.

First In 
This group provides a space and community for students who will be the first in their families to attend college* and who may also be the first to attend boarding school. First In works to provide students with time and space to reflect and talk about their experiences at Thacher. Additionally, their goal is that younger students will benefit from the wisdom of older students who have been on a similar path and found success. *Neither parent has attended a four-year institution in the U.S. and internationally.
International Students at Thacher (ISAT)
An affinity group for all students from international backgrounds. Established in 2021. 
Jewish Student Union (JSU)
JSU provides a space for students who identify as Jewish in any capacity, religious, ethnic, or culturally, to engage in community. We offer discussions, holiday events, and information to both members and the wider community. Established in 2017.
Latinos Unidos (LU)
Latinos Unidos is an organization that works to create a comfortable space for Latinos of all backgrounds as well as to educate the Thacher community by celebrating and affirming Latino culture. Established in 2013. 
Multi-Ethnic Student Association (MESA)
MESA provides a space of community for students of multi-ethnic, multi-racial, or multi-cultural backgrounds so that they may be able to celebrate and engage with all aspects of their beautiful coexisting identities. Established in 2018. 
Student Disability Union (SDU)
SDU educates and advocates for those with disabilities at Thacher and the greater world. Members also hold confidential meetings for mutual support. Established in 2020. 
Spectrum 
Spectrum operates at two levels. A confidential group provides support, solidarity, and a safe space for those students who identify as LGBTQ. "Spectrum for all" exists to educate the community and create opportunities for allies to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community. Established in 2009 as the Gay-Straight Alliance, and transformed into SPECTRUM in 2014 as a result of student activism. 
Thacher Asian Student Society (TASS)
TASS aims to create a safe, inclusive space for the wide range of identities under the terms Asian and Asian American to celebrate Asian and Asian American cultures, discuss current issues, foster allyship with other affinity groups, and educate the Thacher community. Established in 2016. 


Mission Statement

Thacher trains young people in the art of living for their own greatest good and for the greatest good of their fellow citizens in a diverse and changing world. To that end, the School augments its highly challenging academic program with profound lessons learned from the care of a horse, regular chores around the School, teamwork on playing fields, outstanding instruction in the arts, the give and take of everyday life with schoolmates and teachers, and adventures shared in the wilderness. The aim is to inspire and encourage hard work, integrity, self-reliance, a lifelong love of learning and truth, self-knowledge, and a deep concern for the world in which we live.

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • ∨ ADULT AFFINITY SUPPORT

    Parent Affinity Groups
    Affinity groups for and by parents and caretakers, supported by the office of Parent Relations, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and parent representatives to the Board of Trustees. Parent affinity groups include the Asian Families Network, Black Families Network, Jewish Families Network, and Latinx Families Network. 

    Affinity Spaces for Faculty and Staff
    BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff participate in monthly gatherings hosted by the DEI office, and have the opportunity to serve on the Diversity Council (along with allies) to serve as thought partners in inquiry and ideation related to initiatives of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office. 
A college preparatory boarding school for grades 9-12
5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, California, 93023
Tel: 805-646-4377 Fax: 805-646-9490 Email: info@thacher.org 
Notice of nondiscriminatory policy as to students: The Thacher School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.