Research abounds in the benefits of student affinity groups as a means of supporting a school’s efforts to create an inclusive learning environment. Affinity groups can serve as a gathering space for students to foster positive identity exploration, pose questions to others with a shared experience, and process issues they face as individuals and as a group. As a learning base, affinity groups offer affirmation of identity, empowerment of the individual, and empowerment of the group within the learning community.

Student affinity groups also serve as a supportive space for leadership development. Two student leads from each affinity group are selected from their membership to comprise the Saint Francis Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (SJEI) student team, serving as a critical voice in the school's efforts in maintaining an inclusive environment in fulfillment of the school’s commitment to social justice as a Catholic and a Holy Cross school.