Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Read the Winter 2025 Newsletter here.
Join the committee! Register here.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee supports the Parents’ Association by advocating for, and supporting school policies and practices that animate the Lab Schools Diversity Action Plan and empower families as partners and collaborators in furthering that mission. Contact the committee at padeiatlab@gmail.com.
The Diversity Committee for 2024-2025 includes Matt Harris, Crystal Knox, Rob Kostas, Shayna Lewis, Melanie Marshall, Kimberly McGee, and Gwendolyn Purdom Ottolin. Matt Harris is Assistant Professor of Religions in the Americas at the University of Chicago Divinity School. His research and writing centers on African American religious cultures and the entanglement of race and religion in the Americas. He and his partner Sarah have a first grader at Lab. Crystal Knox and her husband, Robert, live in Bronzeville and are proud parents of three Labbies: Cali-2nd, Jaxon-N4, and Zori-N4. Since joining Lab’s family, Crystal has been an active PA-Volunteer and also serves as a Room Parent, Parent Tour Guide, and a member of the Black Family Forum affinity group. She is a practicing Attorney of eleven years. Gwen Purdom Ottolin is Wilder (kindergartener) and Eberle’s mom and works in the university’s Office of Civic Engagement. Gwen and her husband Tim live in Hyde Park with the kids and their Australian shepherd mix, Pam Beesly.
After relaunching in the fall of 2015, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, co-chaired by Amanda Lewis and Beth Richie (2015-2022), solicited parent input and worked with subcommittees throughout the winter to prepare a complete list of recommendations. The document, Diversity & Inclusion Recommendations, is a streamlined compilation of parent discussions and ideas.