The Schulich School of Music's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee continues to champion an inclusive and equitable environment. The committee's mission is to foster an educational space where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity. You can learn more about the mandate of the EDI committee on our website.
Over the 2023-2024 academic year, the EDI Committee has made progress in various areas, reflecting its commitment to this mission. We would like to share with you the committee's accomplishments and developments over the last academic year.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Equity Advisors: The role of Equity Advisors has been expanded to include most of the EDI Committee members. These advisors, including members of the faculty, administrative staff, and students, have undergone training workshops and are available to confidentially address issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This term, several students approached the chair and other advisors with concerns, particularly around trans issues and accessibility, and were connected with appropriate resources.
The list of advisors can be found on our website.
Action Plan for Anti-Black Racism: The committee utilized funds to support several initiatives, including a sold-out concert with guest artist Charles Tolliver, a Gospel workshop by Frédéricka Petit-Homme, the diversification of musical materials for musicianship classes, and the purchase of musical scores by diverse composers adding to the Marvin Duchow Music Library’s collection.
Accessibility: Notable improvements were made in making the music buildings more accessible, such as ordering automatic door openers, gender-inclusive washroom signage and translation of the accessibility pages on the Schulich website (link to French version). The committee is also working on increasing the availability of menstrual supplies in these facilities.
Guest Speakers and Presentations: The committee hosted a series of informative sessions with the Accessibility Advisor and Equity Education Advisor from McGill’s Equity Team as well as the Black, Muslim, and Jewish Student Affairs Liaisons from the Office of the Dean of Students. These sessions provided insights into the available campus resources and discussed ongoing equity efforts within the university.
Website improvement and resources: The EDI Committee updated the Schulich School of Music's website to include a new resources tab, providing valuable information and support for the community.
Minor revisions were also made to Schulich’s Student/Faculty Interaction Guidelines, adding new material on accessibility. Additional resources and McGill University policies can also be accessed through this document (link above).
Curriculum Diversification: The EDI Committee introduced a new approach, now called "Inclusion Initiatives," encouraging faculty to actively engage in discussions about inclusivity in recruiting, programming, and teaching methods. Each faculty member and area filled out to an online form that will inform future planning and actions.
Kudos
Three nominations were submitted for the McGill’s Award for Equity and Community Building. We are proud to announce that Frédéricka Petit-Homme, current PhD in Music Education, won in the faculty category for her work in community building through music, including her Gospel workshop. Alexandrea Jonker was nominated for her innovative approaches in teaching musicianship without traditional notation, and Geneviève St-Arnault, Assistant to the Dean, was recognized for her long-standing support of the EDI Committee.
These efforts showcase the vibrancy and diversity of our musical community and the Schulich School of Music's continued dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. As Julie Cumming concludes her time as chair, the role will transition to Jon Wild, Associate Dean, Research and Administration, who will continue building on these accomplishments and advocating for equity and inclusion at every level of the school community.
