Creating a Music School Embracing Diversity
UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music Takes Steps Towards Equity and Inclusion
The Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA is making significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion, with a focus on supporting historically underrepresented communities.
In a move to foster a more inclusive environment, the school is considering the continued support of dedicated scholarship funds for transfer students, students from historically underrepresented communities, first-generation students, and low-income students. These funds could potentially include emergency funds dedicated to the support of African American students, as well as scholarship funds that allocate a sizable portion of gift funds to support Black students.
The school is also examining its relationship with local law enforcement, specifically the UCPD's practices and policies, in response to concerns raised by the community. This examination comes in the wake of numerous letters expressing concern about UCLA's association with local law enforcement, particularly the LAPD's use of Jackie Robinson Stadium to detain protesters and process arrests.
To drive these changes, an Anti-Racism Action Committee for the Herb Alpert School of Music is being established. This committee, which will meet throughout the summer and share regular updates with the school community, will be co-chaired by Arturo O'Farrill, the newly appointed Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at the school, graduate student Chloe Swindler, and Donor Relations Manager Eshon Allen.
The work of this committee will be embedded in the school's long-term strategic plan, with an initial draft to be submitted to campus leadership in October. The committee is also encouraging feedback and ideas from all members of the community, as well as volunteering opportunities to join its efforts.
Staff, students, and faculty can reach out to the school's ombudsman, Associate Dean Arturo O'Farrill, confidentially if they have concerns or witness acts of discrimination.
The school's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is evident in its actions. It affirms that Black Lives Matter and will listen to, advocate for, protest alongside, and uplift BIPOC voices. This year, the number of African American transfer students has been doubled, and the percentage of low-income transfer students has increased by 38%.
The school is also exploring the possibility of transfer student scholarships and transfer plans to help increase the percentage of first-generation, low-income, students from traditionally underrepresented communities. This is partly due to a new agreement with LACC and funding investment, which has resulted in a 21% increase in the total percentage of transfer students this year.
For more information about the Anti-Racism Action Committee for the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, please visit the school's official website or reach out to the school or student groups directly.
The Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, in pursuit of equitable business practices, is contemplating the creation of new scholarship funds for underserved students, involving education-and-self-development opportunities such as dedicated emergency funds for African American students and scholarships prioritizing Black students. Furthermore, the school is expanding its focus on finance by further investing in education and self-development for first-generation students, low-income students, and those from historically underrepresented communities.
