Office of Institutional Equity
Statement of Purpose
The Curtis Institute of Music is committed to creating an environment free from discrimination, harassment, hate, and bias. In support of that commitment, members of the Office of Institutional Equity strive to provide resources and information to the Curtis community to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all members of the community. Curtis colleagues collaborate with community partners to provide programming, support, and guidance in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Members of the Office also work to address immediate issues of concern within the Curtis community.
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Equal Opportunity Statement
The Curtis Institute of Music provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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Diversity Statement
The Curtis Institute of Music is dedicated to being a community that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming to all. This dedication is integral to Curtis’s mission to train and educate the musicians of tomorrow. Widely held values in the Curtis community, including compassion, respect, openness, and empathy, are driving our efforts.
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Nondiscrimination Statement
The Curtis Institute of Music is committed to a rich and diverse environment, free of discrimination. Curtis does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status in the administration of any of its programs or activities, including admissions, financial aid, educational programs, or other Curtis-administered programs and activities or in its employment practices.
News
Throughout the academic year, the Office will provide updates on relevant current events and programming so we can join together to better understand important issues and how to address them.
Council for Inclusive Excellence
The Council for Inclusive Excellence at Curtis works to ensure that inclusivity and diversity are constitutive strengths in every area of our organization. Through monthly meetings and enlivened fellowship, the Council promotes coherent, collaborative engagement in pursuit of inclusive excellence.
Ombuds
The mission of Curtis’s Ombuds Office is to support and maintain a healthy organizational environment wherein faculty, staff, and students are equally comfortable and empowered to voice concerns or raise questions regarding the environment, all without fear of reprisal.
If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming an Ombud, please contact our current Ombuds to express your interest.
Policies and Procedures
Curtis offers guidance to all members of the community through handbooks and policies that outline expected behaviors, responsibilities, and rights.
Each member of our community is responsible for their own actions and is expected to respect the rights of others.
Disability Services and Academic Accommodations
Curtis welcomes students with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations to those who self-identify in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Academic accommodations, auxiliary services, and technology are made available to students who meet established documentation guidelines.
For further questions regarding disability and academic accommodations, please contact the following staff members.
Students and Staff
Kimberly Gould
215-717-3174
Title IX Coordinator and Managing Director of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity
Community Resources
At Curtis, we understand that solutions to personal, social, and community challenges are rarely “one-size-fits-all.” As such, we aim to provide resources that we hope will be helpful in offering information and support.
Further resources are available via both state and national organizations.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.
- WOAR (Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence) works to educate, advocate, and ultimately prevent sexual assault across Philadelphia.
Laws and Regulations
Explore links to important federal laws that provide protection against discrimination and ensure equity in Curtis programs.
Note: This list is not exhaustive. Please contact the Office for more information.
Training and Upcoming Programming
Explore online training for students, faculty, and staff in the areas of
- anti-discrimination,
- anti-harassment, and
- anti-bias training.
Further and more specified training is also available throughout the year.
Recent and upcoming training at Curtis includes
- Mental Health First Aid,
- Blueprint Evolution Safe Zone,
- RAINN Key Responder, and
- active shooter and/or shelter in place.
Annual Reports and Surveys
Here, you can find our Annual Outcomes reports, Annual Security and Fire Safety report, plus summaries of culture and climate surveys within the Curtis community.
Report an Issue
Curtis believes that in order to achieve a safe, healthy community, transparency is key. If you or someone you know within the Curtis community has experienced discrimination, harassment, an act of hate or bias, or any other form of harmful conduct, we encourage you to report the issue as soon as possible.
Fill out the form below and someone will be in contact with you.