Students Elect to Promote Civil Discourse
As Americans prepare to cast their votes, a group of Marksmen united local students for a positive, open dialogue about the democratic process. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, members of St. Mark’s Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council (IDLC) welcomed more than 100 Dallas area students for an event titled “The Election: Your Vote is Your Voice – How Elections Should Unite Us Rather Than Divide Us.” As they explored the rich diversity of opinions and perspectives within the democratic process, the students practiced engaging in civil discourse.
The event was hosted by the Dallas-Area Diversity Youth Organization (DADYO), a multi-school organization that creates opportunities for student-led discussions of tough – and important – topics. Throughout the evening, students discussed questions including:
- How does the election and voting process put a spotlight on inequalities in our society?
- In what ways can political leaders and parties promote cooperation and reduce polarization during election campaigns?
- How can we, as Americans, foster a more inclusive society to ensure that our elections bring people together to address our country's challenges?
In preparation for the program, Marksmen on the IDLC’s Global Engagement Committee (GEC) discussed the event’s topic during working lunches, meetings with the IDLC executive team, and micro-learning sessions at IDLC meetings.
“With the expected intentionality and respect that this conversation deserves, the boys encouraged and supported each other every step of the way,” said Lorre Allen, Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Human Resources and IDLC sponsor. IDLC serves to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity in the St. Mark’s community.
The event was led by IDLC co-chairs Nico Costa ’25, Matthew Jordan ’25, and Rahil Panchbhaya ’25 and vice chair Christian Warner ’26. Ollie Morgan ’26, Adam Tahirkheli ’26, Aamir Tinwala ’26, Tex Davison ’27, Andrew Hofmann ’27, Ali Khimji ’27, Paul Sumethasorn ’27, and Sebastian Garcia-Toledo ’28 also contributed as members of the committee.
During the event, Marksmen also presented a special token of appreciation to Scott Gonzalez, English teacher and founding member of DADYO, who is retiring after nearly three decades at St. Mark’s.
“St. Mark’s commitment to fostering civic engagement, inclusivity, and diversity allowed students to embrace some sensitive topics,” Allen said. “I’m incredibly proud of the boys for engaging with this complex issue and showing both courage and maturity in navigating the conversation.”
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Members of the IDLC
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Students lead a discussion.
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IDLC co-chairs honor Scott Gonzalez.
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St. Mark’s School of Texas
10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000
About Us
St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.
St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
