VALUES:

About Us:

We are a community of UMass Amherst Music students, faculty, and staff committed to making the Music department a more equitable place. As part of the UMass Racial Justice Coalition, the goal of this group is to uplift and center the voices of Black, Indigineous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and all marginalized identities in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Music Department. We aim to make powerful change within the UMass Amherst community that represents and empowers the diverse identities and backgrounds within the study of music.

Proposed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement by UMass MDEG:

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement (otherwise known as a DEI statement) is a commitment we would like to see made in every syllabi and classroom within the Music Department:

“Within this classroom, we will respect all manifestations of student diversity. This includes—but is not limited to—expressions of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic class as well as diversities in mental and physical ability. We believe diverse perspectives enrich the learning environment and experience, and these should be honored. We recognize and acknowledge that music as an institution has traditionally marginalized people who demonstrate differences in these groups. Language or actions that explicitly or implicitly marginalize another student in any way will not be tolerated. If you experience or witness any bias, marginalization, or prejudice of any kind at any level, know that you can speak up about it and it will be addressed.”

To see the current diversity mission statement from the College of Humanities & Fine Arts, click here.

GOALS:

Short Term:

Sensitivity training for faculty, staff, and students to address systemic racism, gender discrimination, homophobia, classism, and ableism.
Hosting regular speakers and guest musicians that amplify the voices of BIPOC musicians and other underrepresented groups.
DEI statement included in all syllabi
Regular Town Hall meetings in which all members of the FAC community are welcome to collaborate, advise, and work to address and implement equitable practices within the department.

Long Term:

Modifying music history class requirements by including courses and content outside of a white/Western canon.
Redefining music theory education by including content outside of a white/Western canon.
Designating a percentage of performed solo and ensemble repertoire by BIPOC and other composers with underrepresented identities.
Hiring more BIPOC faculty and staff.