The Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee (or D&I) is a group of students, staff and an advisor, which seeks to create a safe space for discussion and organise events around social justice.
The committee has a broad focus on equality issues within the school community and beyond. We are responsive to new ideas, while focusing on several key areas outlined here.
The D&I Committee meet at lunchtimes. Juniors meet in B12 on Tuesdays, while Seniors meet in the library on Mondays. New members are always welcome! Check notice board as meeting times may vary to adapt to changes in the school calendar
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ is an acronym standing for a range of different sexual orientations and gender identities like lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. Unfortunately, research demonstrates that both homophobic and transphobic language and bullying are pervasive in Irish schools with very damaging effects to student wellbeing. As a school, we seek to support, respect and celebrate members of our school community who identify as LGBTQ+. This is enacted through a framework of robust school policies, our LGBTQ+ Support Team, the D&I Committee, a yearly celebration of LGBTQ+ Day and most recently our participation in BelongTo’s LGBTQ+ Quality Mark Programme: LGBTQ+ Quality Mark – Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland. We first obtained this award in February 2025.
Neurodiversity
We celebrate neurodiversity as a strength and aim to support all learning styles and needs. In April 2025, we marked Dyslexia Awareness Day with creativity and purpose, screening Mical, hosting a Jazz Band performance and student speeches in Chapel, and wearing colourful non-uniforms to show support. The day raised funds for the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and sparked meaningful conversations about learning differences. Students were encouraged to sign a petition calling for extra exam time for students with dyslexia, advocating for fairer conditions in the Junior and Leaving Certificate This petition was successful! (Extra Time Campaign Update | Dyslexia Ireland) . At KH, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where neurodiverse students are understood, empowered, and equipped to thrive academically and personally.
Race & Ethnicity
In 2020, Clinton Wokocha was appointed as the school’s first Diversity & Inclusion Officer, and he formed the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Since then, the committee has organised Black History Week each year to uplift black voices and share the experiences of black Irish people. In 2024, the event evolved into Embrace Every Race as a more inclusive celebration of racial diversity. Clinton, now an advisor, and the committee also conducted research into racism within our school community via the FLAIR survey, implemented important policies such as the Uniform Code to reflect our cultural diversity, and have partnered with author and educator Nikki Cunningham-Smith to provide staff training and consultation.
Gender Equality
Gender equality means ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal access to opportunities, respect, and representation. At The King’s Hospital School, we are committed to challenging gender stereotypes and promoting fairness across all areas of school life, from participation in the arts and sports, to subject choices, match support, and student leadership roles such as prefects and mentors. The D&I Committee raises awareness through events like International Women’s Day and workshops on gender bias. We also support student-led initiatives, such as the White Ribbon Campaign, that promote inclusivity and respect. Our goal is to foster a school environment where all students feel empowered to express themselves and pursue their ambitions without limitation.
Committee Bios
- Emma Regan: Emma is AEN Coordinator for Form 4 at the King’s Hospital School. She has a special interest in LGBTQ+ rights and organised the school’s first LGBT+ Week, along with Rebecca Gunn, in 2017. Emma has a background in social justice campaigning and obtained a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education from DCU in 2020.
- Rebecca Gunn AEN Coordinator for Form 1 at The King’s Hospital School, brings over 25 years of combined experience in the corporate and education sectors. Passionate about social justice, gender equality, and neurodiversity, she initiated the school’s first Celebrate Dyslexia Day, promoting a strengths based narrative and advocating for inclusive practices, including extra time in exams.
- Canon Peter Campion: As school chaplain, Peter promotes equality and inclusion. Jesus spent his life reaching out to marginalised people. He taught through his parables, miracles, prayers and in meals he had with people that nobody should be made to feel left out. In chapel, Peter welcomes and encourages all students regardless of race, religion, culture or sexuality.
- Clinton Wokocha: Clinton Wokocha is a past pupil of the King’s Hospital School and has been serving as the school’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer since 2020. Currently based in New York, Clinton applies his legal expertise in his role as a Litigation Paralegal, specialising in civil and commercial litigation. He continues to champion diversity and inclusion initiatives within the legal profession.
The King’s Hospital School IQM Awards
We were honoured to have past pupil and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman TD present The King’s Hospital School IQM Awards in May 2024. A big thank you to Joe McCann and Eilish McCann from IQM for coming to KH to present the awards and speaking to our students in chapel. This was a historic day for KH as we are the first school in the republic of Ireland to receive an Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status. This accolade is a testament to the school’s outstanding dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all its students and the wider school community.
This monumental task was largely undertaken by Ms Daly, Claire Elmes Kirby, Mr. Ua Bruadair. Special mention to Eloise and Rachel for helping with the day’s event and helping Minister O’Gorman cut the cake! Well, done to everyone involved in this momentous occasion.
We were also delighted to have our status renewed one year on in 2025.
