2015

“Diversity and inclusion needs to be part of everything we do here at the College of Music. Ongoing and persistent efforts show our collective commitment to an academic environment that is civil and that respects differences. We want everyone to know we are a welcoming and supportive place that advances the interest of each and every individual, and that we’re part of a larger university that values equity, inclusion and diversity.”
James Forger, Dean

Culture, Climate and Community Working Groups

In November 2015, the College of Music set about to form two diversity and inclusion working groups—one comprised of faculty, the other exclusively of students. These two groups met collectively and independently to formulate strategies for strengthening equity, inclusion, and diversity both within the college and across campus. Members of the faculty/staff committee were selected to represent all disciplines and areas of study within the College of Music. The original faculty/staff group included Richard Fracker, Juliet Hess, Chen-Yu Huang, Marcie Ray, Diego Rivera, Mark Sullivan, Talitha Wimberly, and Rodney Whitaker, who served as group facilitator. Student committee members were selected based on recommendations from faculty and staff and represent both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The original student group included Keane Garcelon, Markus Howell, Daniel Kroth, Amy Lewis, Bronwen McVeigh, and Jingyu Xu.

2016

“Students sometimes perceive a hierarchy, and that is not our vision. Having all our programs come together to show our diversity is one of the most important things we hope that students can take away.”
Marcie Ray, Musicology faculty

Starting January 2016, faculty/staff and student groups began collaborating on ways to heighten awareness of social and cultural issues that affect the learning environment of the college, campus, and community. Since then, they have devised strategies that answer unique needs within the college while building on MSU’s overarching vision of a diverse and inclusive university.

The groups promoted an ongoing campaign titled “Listening & Healing” that involved listening sessions, a town hall, and other communication and educational pieces. A climate survey designed to assess the college’s working, living and learning environment aimed to provide a basis for organizing activities and future discussions. It also informed continued work toward a diverse, respectful, and inclusive community that improves conditions for students, faculty and staff.

“The number one thing we want to think about as a college is what type of student we want to send out into the world,” Professor Whitaker said at the time. “If we send out students from a diverse and inclusive environment who respect the rights of others, then we’re sending out students who can have a positive effect and change the world.”

Topics addressed by the committees have included Title IX, gender diversity, racial diversity, and other subjects addressed by the MSU Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.

Coming together

Musicology faculty member Marcie Ray helped organize a kick-off activity in November 2016. The one-hour “Anthem for Unity” or “Healing: Listening Across” involved performances by students from various college areas, speakers from the faculty committee, and remarks by a leading MSU DEI officer. About 50 students attended and shared their thoughts by writing their comments on sticky-notes and tacking them to a “healing wall.” The event closed with an interpretation of the traditional “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” led by Professor of Voice Mark Rucker.

“Our goal was to identify any fears or concerns about cultural issues students may have,” Ray said. “We want students to know that this initiative and our committee exist, and we wanted to spotlight faculty they can speak with about these issues if they are so inclined.”

Ray says another objective was to break down any perceived divides that exist among the various areas and disciplines of the College. Whitaker concurred that the event laid the foundation for creative listening sessions designed to spark conversation between students and college leadership. The sessions culminated in a town hall-style meeting consisting of question and answers sessions, panel discussions, and performances. All of these activities aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive environment by bringing forward common themes, perceptions, and concerns.

A Multi-point Plan

• Climate Survey
• Listening sessions
• Town Hall
• Building and sustaining Culture, Climate and Community committees for students and faculty
• Offering programs and resources for minority and international students
• Seeking equity funding for gender neutral restrooms
• Creating diversity awards for faculty, staff and students
• Organizing retreats and convocations to discuss key diversity and inclusion issues
• Creating message boards and displays in high-traffic areas
• Heading up a task force to address inaccessibility issues
• Encouraging the ongoing exchange of ideas from diverse and inclusive groups and organizations within the college and campus community

2017 – 2020

“The committee as a whole really wants to focus on bringing the things that we are talking about into the curriculum and having that be a part of the foundation and the educational experience for all students in the College of Music.”
Jordyn Davis, Music alum and co-founder of Color Me Music: Alliance for Students of Color

• In 2019, Dean James Forger, Associate Dean David Rayl, and Professor Rodney Whitaker meet with each area within the College of Music. Consensus is that all areas should have representation on the Culture, Climate and Community Committee.
• The Committee begins working closely with the independent, student-led group Color Me Music.
• Listening sessions continue to provide opportunities for music majors across all disciplines to develop greater understanding and respect for each other’s musical cultures and traditions.