Insensitivity to students’ identities is a common problem as identified by the Diversity Advisory Committee at a daylong retreat Feb. 5. The group met to analyze interview transcripts with students about their experiences around diversity, equity and inclusion.

The diversity committee consists of faculty, staff, parents, five students, and eight new liaisons chosen from Lab faculty and staff.

The DAC met to address and solve conflicts between people at the Lab.

“[Members of the Lab community] are having a lot of trouble understanding each other, and the diversity equity inclusion statement that surrounds Lab — or is supposed to surround Lab,” committee member Saige Porter, a junior, said.

The group also reviewed a 2016 survey of Lab parents, students and teachers asking about diversity issues they noticed, comparisons between Lab and other schools, previous work done at Lab. The committee reviewed applications for the vacant position of director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

In planning a strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the committee is narrowing ideas to determine what actions to take, according to Lab Schools Director Charlie Abelmann.

The group is also will also be looking at future interviews about experiences from students, parents, faculty and staff across the lower and middle schools as well.