Statement on Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion

The University of Illinois Bands regards diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values integral to guiding our progress toward excellence. We embrace a broad and comprehensive concept of diversity that serves as a springboard toward mutual understanding. We appreciate diversity as a strength and intentionally cultivate an inclusive climate in our daily endeavors as faculty, staff, and students. We are committed to respecting differences; accepting multiple perspectives; and striving to identify, disrupt, and rectify bias, prejudice, and oppression in our classrooms and community.

A Statement of Solidarity from the Faculty and Staff of Illinois Bands

We, the faculty and staff of Illinois Bands, have been deeply impacted by the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, among other Black Americans. Their stories are simply the latest in a litany of atrocities spanning hundreds of years of American History.

We value and appreciate diversity in our program, in our community, and around the world.

We are committed to confronting and removing Barriers that manifest due to racism.

We stand with our Black students, colleagues, and alumni, and denounce racism and the inequities that exist in our society. People of color are valued in our program and are important to the success and longevity of Illinois Bands.

As we move forward, we will collaborate with our students to establish specific action items that will illustrate our commitment to diversity in our society, and a path toward realizing inclusion for all our students of color.

Black Lives Matter.