Gathering for the Inauguration of the Open-Air Courtyard Designated as a Safe Space against Discrimination
The Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA has taken a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive environment by dedicating an outdoor space as a haven from discrimination and marginalization. The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, March 31, marked the opening of the new space that serves as an area of repose, reflection, and communal activity, free of predatory bias.
The idea for this outdoor haven stemmed from a report issued by The Herb Alpert School of Music's Committee for Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination (ARAD). The ARAD committee, co-chaired by a student, two staff, and one faculty member, was assembled in July 2020. The committee's report identified three major areas of concentration: culture of violence targeting minority communities, culture of academia, and overall community, connections, and communication.
The outdoor haven, located between the Music Library at the Schoenberg Musical Building and the recording center in the Ostin Music Center, is enhanced with signage, tables, chairs, and electrical outlets. It features information about how to report instances of racism, bias, and marginalization. ARAD noted that all faculty, students, and staff should be aware of the process for reporting incidents, which can be done either by visiting
Eileen Strempel, the inaugural dean of the school of music, and Arturo O'Farrill, associate dean for equity, diversity and inclusion, gave addresses at the ceremony. O'Farrill stated, "We are delighted to open this new space." He also emphasised that the report is just the beginning, and the key will be following up and checking on the school's progress in creating a welcoming community.
The outdoor haven is intended as a space for students to hold informal sessions discussing issues of equity and inclusion. It is a step in the direction of following up on the recommendations from ARAD's report. The committee typically recommends and implements actions like developing and revising curricula to include diverse voices and perspectives, hosting workshops and training sessions on anti-racism and implicit bias, establishing reporting mechanisms and support systems for discrimination or harassment, creating events and forums to promote dialogue and understanding about racial and social justice issues, and recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.
The formal name for the courtyard space will be chosen by the students. The ceremony began with a dedication of the grounds, honoring the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples, the traditional land caretakers of the Los Angeles basin. The ceremony featured music, spoken word, dance, and refreshments, making it a memorable event for all who attended.
During the ceremony, Arturo O'Farrill, the associate dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion, stressed the importance of not only opening the outdoor haven but also following up on the progress of fostering a welcoming community at The Herb Alpert School of Music. The space, designed for students to discuss issues of equity and inclusion, is part of the implementation of recommendations from the ARAD's report, which also focuses on diversifying curriculum, conducting workshops on anti-racism, establishing reporting mechanisms, promoting dialogue on racial justice, and recruiting a diverse community.
