Diversity Initiatives Continue

Women's History Month inspires a Diversity Dialogue

Diversity Dialogues are a monthly staple at Juilliard. This series of lunch gatherings (they take place during the common hour: Wednesdays at 1pm) provide a safe space for discussions on race/ethnicity, sex/gender/sexuality, socioeconomic status, disabilities, and so much more. This month’s dialogue celebrates Women’s History Month with Nadya Okamoto—the founder and executive director of PERIOD. The Menstrual Movement—who is facilitating a conversation about menstruation and stigmas.

Diversity Symposiums happen once per semester to allow for longer conversations related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). The most recent one happened just after this issue went to print and was to cover topics including the intersection of culture and mental health, toxic masculinity, adoption politics, and code switching.

Safe Zone trainings are offered throughout the year. This campuswide program is designed to visibly identify members of the Juilliard community who are allies to the LGBTQIA+ community. At the end of this training, participants receive a placard they can affix to their door, locker, or instrument case to signify that they are a safe ally.

These diversity initiatives are supported by the team of Diversity Advocates, six student leaders dedicated to educating their peers on various topics of EDIB through programming, cultural exploration, and advocacy within their departments. This year’s are actors Zack Desmond and Gabii Torres; dancers Michael Garcia, Myles Hunter, and Noah Wang; and singer Jaylyn Simmons.

Learn more about Juilliard's ongoing diversity initiatives and check out the full schedule of diversity dialogues for the 2018-19 academic year and years past.