MMEA Commitment to DEIA

Through social media posts, MMEA became aware of the concerning situation regarding the Connecticut Music Educators Association 2021 All-State Choir Project. We are happy to see that the CMEA Executive Board has released the video in its original format and applaud their efforts towards greater transparency and their dedication to learning from this experience.

We affirm that Black Lives Matter and those lives are deserving of dignity. Our affirmation is a message to our members, colleagues, and students from historically marginalized communities that our organization is a space in which you are seen, heard, respected, and celebrated. We have a duty and an opportunity as music educators to reflect the lived experience of our students. Art carries our collective narrative as a society and if this artistic expression is reflective of our students’ lived experiences then it should be considered and validated.

We know that this work is challenging and will not take place overnight, but we support efforts that prioritize progress and move our organizations towards more fully representing the communities we serve. MMEA is committed to moving forward with the work that we started in 2020 with the forming of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Committee. We all have a responsibility to make our voices heard and to get involved with this work. Please contact any MMEA board member or any member of the DEIA committee to learn more, ask questions, and get involved.

Dr. Heather Cote
President, MMEA