Diversity Equity and Inclusion

As an all-girls Catholic high school founded on the principles and values of the Sisters of Mercy we commit to upholding the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. We along with the Sisters of Mercy are committed to:

• Practice non-violence
• Deepen our response to racism 
• Reverence for the Earth
• Empowerment for women
• Stand in solidarity with immigrants

The Mount Mercy Community is committed to the following: 

• We affirm that all persons deserve dignity and are made in the image and likeness of God. 
• We commit to providing an inclusive community that promotes respect, loving dialogue, equity, understanding, and societal awareness, both locally and globally.
• We believe that diversity is a gift that reflects the many personal experiences, values, perspectives, talents, and worldviews that arise from differences in culture and circumstance. 
• We are committed to creating a diverse learning environment where each student may reflect on their own identity, experiences, talents, and abilities so that they can become leaders in their community. 

Mercy is dedicated to providing programs that focus on Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives.   Mount Mercy Academy has incorporated a DEI team, dedicated to the implementation of Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and works with the Student  Leadership team to ensure that Mount Mercy Academy is a welcoming place for all.  Students have committed to participating in different voluntary programs that are aimed at helping students work towards being inclusive, open and welcoming to everyone.  These programs are in conjunction with Buffalo Prep, a non-profit organization that provides access and preparation for talented underrepresented youth to achieve success in college-prep high schools and higher education, and the Education Collaboration of WNY, a unique consortium that provides its unique partner schools with opportunities for collaboration, a forum for sharing ideas and a structure for advocating the values of private education.    Our passion to carry out the Mission of Catherine McAuley has enabled us to incorporate designated time within our regular schedule to implement activities and discussions that focus on the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.   

"I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Diversity Equity and Inclusion conference at Nichols School with a wonderful group of girls from Mount Mercy. I had a very positive experience learning alongside inspiring students from different schools around Buffalo. There was one lecture I sat in on which was about gender wage gaps and women in S.T.E.M. I found it incredibly interesting and empowering. A woman with a degree in aerospace engineering spoke about her experiences with discrimination based on gender and how she overcame the obstacles thrown at her. It was an incredibly powerful lecture and I am so grateful to have been able to hear her journey being a woman in a male-dominated field of study. Overall, working, laughing, and learning with D.E.I. students from other schools made me feel supported and a part of something so much bigger than I could have ever imagined." -Melina Courtney '22    
 

Mount Mercy Academy wants to thank the students, alumna and community for coming forward and sharing their stories.  Please view our letter to the Mount Mercy Academy community for more details and information.