Equity and Inclusion

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Equity and Inclusion at Eastman

The Eastman School of Music is committed to:

diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives for continuous improvement;
fostering a community of musicians of diverse backgrounds and origins by creating an educational experience that is musically, socially and intellectually diverse;
assuring that every person in our community is unquestionably welcome, safe, respected, and appreciated; and
creating and encouraging an inclusive community that enriches the lives of our students, our faculty, our immediate community, and the world of music at large.

On this site, you will find links to the events and resources provided by the Inclusion at Eastman Committee and the Eastman Racial Justice Commission, as well as links to programs, services, and opportunities available through Eastman, the University of Rochester, and the Greater Rochester area.

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University of Rochester’s Commitment

The University is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment extends to policies and practices for admissions, recruitment, and employment in accordance with the principles of equal opportunity and Affirmative Action and in compliance with applicable law.

For more information, please visit:

George Walker Center for Equity and Inclusion in Music

The George Walker Center for Equity and Inclusion in Music was given a formal dedication on Saturday, April 16 2022. This new center will serve as a vehicle to not only bring our community together, but to do the difficult work of progressing towards equity and inclusion at the Eastman School of Music. The center is named for the late Pulitzer-Prize-winning composer, George Walker ’56 (DMA, ’12 (Honorary)).

Ian and Gregory Walker comment, “The Eastman School of Music played a major role in our father’s artistic development, from the lasting support he received from Howard Hanson to the deep friendships he formed over the years with faculty. We hope that the George Walker Center for Equity and Inclusion in Music will serve as a resource for the artistic development and empowerment of other promising artists, as modeled by our father’s commitment to excellence and freedom of expression.”

“George Walker was one of Eastman’s most distinguished alumni, both because of the quality and integrity of his music, but also as a pioneer and role model through his perseverance and achievements.” shares Jamal J. Rossi, Joan and Martin Messinger Dean at the Eastman School of Music. “We are grateful to the Walker Family for allowing us to recognize Dr. Walker by naming our new Center for Equity and Inclusion in his honor.”

Inclusion at Eastman Committee

The Inclusion at Eastman Committee (formerly known as Eastman Diversity Committee) was founded in 2007 as part of a university-wide initiative to create a more inclusive environment throughout the university. Ellen Koskoff, professor of ethnomusicology, and Dr. Elizabeth West Marvin, professor of music theory, served as the first chairs of the committee, served as the first chairs of the committee, with the purpose of promoting greater diversity at Eastman. The current committee includes members of the administration, faculty, staff, and students of Eastman.

The Inclusion at Eastman Committee acts as a coordinator, collaborator and promoter of equity-related events and resources available at Eastman, on the River Campus, and in the Greater Rochester area. The Eastman Committee’s initiatives include:

Engaging students in a conversation about equity and inclusion and its relevance to their present and future lives,
Offering faculty members financial assistance to bring in guest lecturers of diverse backgrounds,
Providing relevant educational opportunities and experiences,
Assisting administrative efforts to cultivate an environment of thoughtful awareness and tolerance;
Encouraging a sense of community built on diverse individual strengths and shared experiences.
Creating a supportive atmosphere for our current faculty, staff, and students – one which will welcome future generations, and be a source of pride for all who have ever been affiliated with the Eastman School of Music.

Eastman Action Commission for Racial Justice

REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS

See Report