A Message from Damian Woetzel and Christina Salgado | May 30, 2020

 

Dear Juilliard community,

We write to you with heavy hearts after the recent horrific event of police brutality that led to the death of George Floyd. This most recent incident is the latest among the many atrocities that people of color have had to endure time after time. Moments like these reveal the racism and hatred that has been a part of our culture for far too long.

We are deeply saddened, and although this may feel paralyzing we must stand firm in our commitment to demanding justice on behalf of those in the Juilliard community and beyond. In that regard, we believe it is important to recognize the pain involved in this moment and remind you that counseling services are available and listed below. Moreover, we are working with others to create opportunities for our community to come together in response to this event, which may include a virtual town hall and sharing of resources.

We recognize there is much to be done in our community and beyond. The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Taskforce remains committed to fostering dialogues and providing resources, and on behalf of the Taskforce, we would like to restate this commitment: “As an institution that fosters creativity and artistry, we must celebrate the identities of every community member. We hope that our Juilliard community continues to not only be a safe space, but a courageous space for us to share our voices in ways that will unite us.”

We support members of our community creating artistic responses to this event, and we would like to recognize Anthony McGill, artistic director of the Music Advancement Program (MAP) and clarinet faculty, for launching a beautiful effort in this regard. His work, like others in our artistic community, responds to injustice and envisions a more just world.

Thank you for your commitment to this work.

In solidarity,

Damian Woetzel, President
Christina Salgado, Director for EDIB Initiatives,

Members of the EDIB Taskforce:
Renee Baron, Liberal Arts Faculty, EDIB Faculty Advisor
Rosalie Contreras, Vice President of Public Affairs
Aaron Flagg, Chair and Associate Director, Jazz Studies
Katie Friis, Administrative Director, Dance Division
Jose Garcia-Leon, Dean of Academic Affairs and Assessment
Katie Germana, Director of Human Resources
Alicia Graf Mack, Director of the Dance Division
Adam Meyer, Director, Music Division and Deputy Dean of the College
Jacqueline Schmidt, Vice President and Chief of Staff
Ben Sosland, Administrative Director, Historical Performance Program and Assistant Dean for the Kovner Fellowship Program
Weston Sprott, Dean of the Preparatory Division
Jonathan Yaeger, Music History Faculty
Evan Yionoulis, Director of the Drama Division
Brian Zeger, Artistic Director, Vocal Arts
Christina Salgado, Director for EDIB Initiatives
Marjorie Van Dercook, Strategic Advisor for EDIB Initiatives

Community Resources:
Remote Counseling Services at (212) 769-3918. Additional support can be found at the Office of Student Affairs (x200 or [email protected]), the Office of International Advisement (x358 or [email protected]), or the Office of Residence Life (x7400 or [email protected]). Remote Medical appointments may be made by calling Health Services at x282 or emailing [email protected].

All Juilliard community members can visit the Assessment and Care Team page for more information on how to assist college students.

For Faculty and Staff, Juilliard offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Morneau Shepell. This service offers confidential support, guidance, and resources to help you and your household members cope with issues experienced in everyday life, including stress and anxiety. Telephone and online access to EAP services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 293-6948 or on  their website.