Unity Day is a national movement dedicated to standing against bullying and promoting a culture that is more kind, inclusive, and compassionate. Every October, this day serves as a strong reminder of the importance of creating environments where all people feel valued and supported.

At Xaverian, displays of solidarity took many different forms, one of which made a bold visible statement. Students, faculty, and staff wore orange, the official color of Unity Day, to symbolize their commitment to a more inclusive school community. The halls were filled with orange shirts, accessories, and wristbands bearing the words “courage, openness, and acceptance.” Mr. Conor Hawley ’13, faculty moderator of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), felt that the day had the potential to substantially uplift the community. “On Unity Day, we reminded each other that our community is centered on respect and dignity. The importance of this message cannot be over-stated in a Christ-centered school.”

Throughout the day, students also engaged in conversations and activities celebrating inclusion. In the cafeteria, students designed a large banner in the shape of an “X” made of different values they felt were important, including camaraderie, brotherhood, and integrity. After school, SADD held an open meeting, where students were encouraged to reflect on current school initiatives and brainstorm how the work of Unity Day could be continued throughout the year.