An issue that arose during our research was representation in institutions; how they represented themselves, along with the values and individuals whom they represented. We examined how these institutions represented themselves through their social media, strategic plans, and statements released for general consumption. Institutions we researched used their various forms of media to assert their values after the George Floyd protests which took place in the summer of 2020. Their values are very prominent, especially with the mobilization of EDI-D committees. While it is important to know where these institutions stand on these issues, what matters most are the actions that follow. Additionally, institutions need to be representing the diversity of their student population further than just viewbooks, or pictures they use on their websites (Manning, Shifaw, Benedict, 5). IBPOC Students who are utilized purely for the purpose of viewbooks and photo ops are then subjected to being tokenized; a practice that uses people from select groups, potentially misrepresenting institutional diversity. Universities focus on how they portray themselves and not about the real perspectives of IBPOC that need to be respected internally. As Manning, Shifaw, Benedict (Fall 2021) remind us, “It’s important that we recognize that relying solely on the symbol or appearance of varying representation is not a signal of actionable change”. The internal operations of an institution must advance from interpreting representation solely based on how those outside the institution view the institution. This requires change that is structural in nature.
Our view is that there is a disconnect between how institutions represent themselves versus the true student experience. For instance, University of Toronto (U of T) boasts a diverse and inclusive music faculty on their website front pages and social media, yet recent public reactions from the student body suggests something else entirely. The recent allegations of sexual assault and racism in the Jazz department in the news (King, 2021) is but one example. The student body has been bold and clear, articulating their experiences in public spaces such as in the recent open letter to the faculty of music. There is a profound contrast between what the university presents itself to be and what has allegedly happened internally.
Suggestions:
Reflect on how much time you spend on certain topics, composers, people, and musics
Re-evaluate how you grade and assess. Do assessments reflect the nature of the content and broader learning goals? Do assessments embrace different epistemologies of students?
Actionable items need to be made public for accountability.
Questions:
Is demographic data being collected and analyzed by faculty? Where does this information go if it is collected? How does it inform decision-making?
Do you see your students or even yourself well represented by your institution beyond their media?
Why do you believe some students are represented less than others?