Over the last few weeks UofSC School of Music Community has been profoundly impacted by the growing movement for racial justice following the senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement officers as well as private citizens. The nation, our state, and our university are acknowledging and confronting the hurtful and life threatening impact of systemic racism. The School of Music stands together with them in expressing our outrage, denouncement of anti-Black violence, and our dedication to the cause of achieving justice for all through inclusion, equality and equity.

Members of our Carolina Music Community stand by the words in the Carolinian Creed that actualize a community invested in equity and justice for all: I will practice personal and academic integrity; I will respect the dignity of all persons; I will respect the rights and property of others; I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions; I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for the conditions which support their work and development.

The School of Music is dedicated to working with our university leadership, President Robert Caslen, Provost William Tate and Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Julian Williams to actively advance action on behalf of fairness and the safety for all Americans, but most especially Black Americans at this critical moment in American history. We are engaged in self-reflection and planning to manifest and inspire lasting change. We encourage others to do so and join us in our musical efforts as they emerge over the coming weeks and months.

Forever to thee…
Tayloe Harding