Jack Muhlhauser ‘25
Staff Writer

A Conversation with Roland Davis and a Renovated DEI Space

Loomis Chaffee recently introduced its new interim DEI Director, Roland Davis. Alongside this new hire, a newly renovated DEI center in Chaffee has been established as an on-campus hub for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, designed to foster an inclusive and supportive culture where students can authentically be themselves.
When asked about his priorities for the coming school year, Dr. Davis emphasized the importance of students being active listeners and open to asking questions. He expressed a desire for students to engage in “robust discussions” about the community's needs regarding inclusion and belonging. He envisions a community committed to DEI work, with all students actively involved in these important conversations.
Dr. Davis' primary goal is to build a culture where everyone is valued. He aims to go beyond the typical boundaries of DEI work to inspire students to become excited and involved.
When discussing his excitement for the upcoming year, Davis expressed enthusiasm about becoming part of the LC community. He has already met many remarkable students, faculty, and staff who have been inviting and kind upon his arrival.
Regarding campus events, students and faculty should be aware of upcoming “First Friday” gatherings in the newly renovated DEI center. These events are intended to kick off conversations and bring people together in a casual, welcoming environment.
Amplifying the excitement and potential brought to our campus by Dr. Davis, the school’s DEI Center has undergone significant renovations. Recognizing the importance of this space, Loomis has invested in updates and new additions to the space to make it a welcoming environment where students can engage, participate in affinity groups, join focused discussions, and form new relationships.
At institutions like ours, understanding shortcomings is crucial to fostering growth. Dr. Davis has identified a particular challenge that people experience at Loomis: certain groups often feel excluded from DEI work. He believes that breaking down societal stigmas that prevent specific identities from engaging in these conversations is critical to progress, and the new DEI space will foster this environment.
“We are too tribal and don't take the time to get to know one another across our differences and to celebrate those differences as things that enrich all of our lives,” said Dr. Davis. He emphasized that DEI efforts must extend to everyone and would have a more profound impact if all demographics were included in these efforts.
As mentioned in a previous all-school meeting, Davis encourages everyone to consider his questions to the community: What comes to mind when thinking about DEI? What about DEI at Loomis? Thoughts and feelings on these topics are important, and students are encouraged to visit his office or reach out via email. Input from everyone is essential to ensuring that all voices are heard and to advance DEI at Loomis.