Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

EDIB Commitment

Juilliard is committed to fostering a supportive environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We recognize that only through a dedicated commitment to nurturing this environment can we achieve our mission of providing the highest caliber of artistic education to students and actively shaping the future of the performing arts. As such, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) is a core value and priority of the school.

Goals

• Recruit, retain, nourish, and graduate diverse and globally engaged students who strive for EDIB in their practice
• Recruit, retain, and nourish diverse and globally engaged faculty and staff who strive for EDIB in their practice
• Cultivate an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming culture and climate that fosters artistic, intellectual, pedagogical, and administrative excellence, along with holistic well-being

What does EDIB represent?

We use the acronym EDIB to describe our efforts to build a community and practice that is inclusive, supportive, equitable, and welcoming. The following terms are used to capture our work:

• Equity: Promoting fair treatment, access, and opportunity for advancement while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of all groups
• Diversity: Psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among any and all individuals; these include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, etc.
• Inclusion: Creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate and be their authentic selves
• Belonging: The sense of acceptance as a part or member of a group; an important human need that cultivates value and positive outcomes 

Value Statements 

EDIB at Juilliard represents the following values:  

• Fostering an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for all   
• Endeavoring to provide fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff 
• Building community, encouraging collaboration and innovation, and providing artistic and educational experiences at the highest level of excellence  
• Respecting diverse perspectives and fostering opportunities for broader dialogues and experiences
• Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and change as we further develop our EDIB work 
• Continued support, development, and launching of programming that embodies our commitment to EDIB

In July 2018, President Damian Woetzel shared in his inaugural message to the community, and further described in his first Convocation address, in September 2018, that EDIB initiatives would be a core value and priority of the school. Our path forward has been holistic, with Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging included as a core value and priority of the school. 

The Office of EDIB aims to work on issues that may arise throughout the student experience, focusing on assessing areas of need, analyzing data, and prioritizing actions to be carried out across departments. The major initial steps of the office formation can be categorized as follows:

Onboarding EDIB Workshop 

The Foundational Workshop designed and implemented in 2019 for Juilliard employees has since been incorporated into an online session to be given to all Juilliard employees as a part of the onboarding process. The sessions will also be available to continuing faculty and staff as an additional resource beyond the yearly workshop offerings.

Orientation and First Year Experience

In collaboration with Student Development, the Office of EDIB has expanded orientation touchpoints for undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students. Undergraduate sessions focus on community building and aspects of belonging. Graduate sessions build upon EDIB concepts through artistic works. The office is also presenting two EDIB-focused sessions during the First Year Experience course (previously Colloquium) as an extension of the undergraduate orientation.

EDIB Council 

The purpose of the EDIB (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Council is to advise and assist in the development and progress of EDIB efforts at Juilliard, in alignment with the institution’s mission and strategic plan. Made up of Juilliard faculty, staff, students, administration, and alumni, the EDIB Council works in collaboration with the Office of EDIB to address needs and opportunities in service to the Juilliard community. Learn more about the EDIB Council. 
 

The Non-Discrimination and Title IX Office

The Juilliard School is committed to ensuring that the members of its community have an equal opportunity to learn, work, and thrive regardless of race, national origin, color, sex, gender identity, sexual preference, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. To foster these values, Juilliard’s learning and working environment must be free from all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. Learn more about Juilliard’s Office of Non-Discrimination and Title IX.

Office of Academic Support and Disability Services (OASDS)

The Juilliard School is committed to creating an accessible campus where all students have the opportunity for academic success. The Office of Academic Support and Disability Services (OASDS) is the focal point for meeting the needs of students with disabilities. OASDS provides all students with supportive educational services (such as tutoring) and reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities. The office assists students with the academic, professional, social, and emotional foundations necessary to embark on successful careers and productive lives as artists, leaders, and citizens.  

Student Diversity Initiatives

Student Diversity Initiatives offers forums, trainings, and activities celebrating the diversity of our community. Programming is supported by diversity advocates, student leaders focused on educating the larger campus community on issues pertaining to diversity, culture, internationalism, and social justice. We are grateful to the diversity advocates who have helped develop many resources including for gender pronouns, chosen name, safe zone, and land acknowledgement. Please visit the Student Diversity Initiatives page here to learn more.

Human Resources

The Human Resources department is committed to supporting Juilliard’s mission, goals, and values by working collaboratively with the community. We seek to foster a positive work environment by creating and initiating programs and services that recruit, attract, retain, support, and motivate a highly qualified and diverse staff in our challenging and rewarding work environment. We strive to promote equitable and fair administration of school policies, procedures, and benefits for all staff and faculty, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and city statues. Human Resources is Juilliard’s primary resource for information about benefits and employment policies, issues, and concerns.

The Office of EDIB posts reports bi-annually with updates submitted by divisions and departments to communicate the continued efforts throughout the school and the work ahead.

The Fall 2021 Report (released January 2022) includes updates on recruitment efforts; collaborations with students groups; and the development of EDIB learning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.

The Spring 2021 Report (released June 2021) included recommendations from working groups to be implemented during the 2021-22 academic year; internal collaborations with Alumni Affairs, Student Development, and the Writing and Communications Center; and continued EDIB efforts from the departments and divisions.

The Fall 2020 Report (released January 2021) included the formation of two working groups focusing on the following priority areas: workshop development and bias response; ongoing training for bias response deputies; and updates from departments and divisions on how they have each brought EDIB work into their areas.

The Spring 2022 Report (released December 2022) includes select EDIB highlights from divisions and departments across the institution.