Jesuit Community of Belonging
Our Jesuit mission calls us to action, and at De Smet Jesuit, we actively engage in our faith through our commitment to social justice.

DIversity & INCLUSION at De Smet Jesuit
At De Smet Jesuit, our community embraces the whole person (cura personalis) in the pursuit of our larger school mission. Centering our work in the Jesuit tradition and the belief that a people are made image of God (Imago Dei), our school brings together students from over 65 zip codes and several countries, enriching our community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Led by our full-time Director of Diversity & Inclusion, we offer a variety of engagement opportunities to support the growth of our school community. These include student affinity groups, parent affinity groups, community engagement events, student leadership training, professional development, and school-wide events that celebrate and honor our diversity.
To be just, it is not enough to refrain from injustice. One must go further and refuse to play its game, substituting love for self-interest as the driving force of society.
Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J.
Partnerships with non-profits
We partner with local and national nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. These collaborations give students opportunities to engage in service, learn from diverse perspectives, and apply Jesuit values to real-world challenges. Students, teachers, and administrators collaborate with our community partners:
- Boniface Foundation
- Ignatian Solidarity Network
- Jesuit School Network
- St. Louis Archdiocese DEI Affinity Group
What is daap?
The De Smet African American Parents (DAAP) Council supports the mission of the school by advocating and supporting the needs of the African American students. This parent-led organization works to add to the culture of the school by hosting informational events and engaging in community building efforts aimed at improving the experience of our parents and students. Through events like the career exploration series and home tailgates, DAAP helps to create a welcoming environment for the entire school community.
| School Event | |
|---|---|
| Black History Month Assembly and Events | February |
| International Women's Month | March |
| Culturefest | Spring |
| Workshops & Conferences | Ongoing |
| Affinity/Interest Groups | |
|---|---|
| Black Student Union (BSU) | Social Justice Club |
| Student Diversity Council | Young Democrats Club |
| Multicultural Awareness Club | Young Republicans Club |
Faculty & Staff Development
De Smet Jesuit administrators and teachers are committed to ongoing professional development including specifically in the area of diversity and inclusion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What does diversity look like at De Smet Jesuit?
- Who can join an affinity group?
- How does De Smet Jesuit ensure equity in admissions?
- What does the Director of Diversity & Inclusion do?
- How is diversity connected to the Jesuit mission?
- How will my son be supported socially and emotionally?
- What opportunities will my son have to lead?
- How does De Smet prepare students to live and work in a diverse world?












