Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability Student Committee
Creating a welcoming space
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability Student Committee (IDEA) is a student committee dedicated to making the School Music, Dance and Theatre a safe and equitable place for all students. The information below is provided by the committee.
Statement of purpose
We aim to serve the student community by advocating for a diverse, fair, and inclusive experience through student-led projects and initiatives. In addition, we strive to create a welcoming space for the diverse student community to share their stories and voice their concerns on issues such as (but not limited to) racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism. Through regular meetings with the faculty DEI, IDEA will act as a liaison between students and the faculty administration.
Projects and partnerships
IDEA is partnering with the C.A.R.E. (Creatives for Artistic and Realistic Equity) Student Coalition of Oklahoma City University. This partnership embraces not only cross-university collaboration, but also the structure that C.A.R.E has already established through the efforts of Sheri Sanders (Rock the Audition). IDEA will adopt a branched system in which the student committee is divided into five student-led branches:
- Race and Ethnic Diversity (RED)
- Disability, Neurodivergence, and Accessibility (DNA)
- Mental Health and Wellness (MHW)
- LGBTQ+ Inclusivity (QI)
- Body Positivity (BP)
Each branch serves as specific, tangible spaces for students with diverse narratives and identities to latch onto for support. These five branches within IDEA promote respect and intersectionality and welcome collaboration with other branches.
We invite everyone in the student community to join those branches that appeal to them. Each branch will have a student representative who communicates their branch’s concerns and initiatives through regular communication and bi-weekly meetings. The branches’ interests will be shared with the faculty DEI for discussion, further action and accountability. While we are adopting a structured approach, IDEA fully understands that some concerns need immediate attention, so students should not feel pressured to go through these channels if the need arises.
If you are interested in being a member of a branch or would like more information, please visit the Google site listed below or email Jose Antonio Guevara or Kristina Friedgen.
Want to become a member?
Current leadership and members
Jose Antonio Guevara
Jose, a native of Southwest AZ, is an undergraduate Music Learning and Teaching Major in the trumpet studio at Arizona State University.
"I am passionate about diversity and equity at the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre, because I want our school's values to reflect the needs of our student population. By maintaining a dialogue between students and faculty, we can begin to recognize and address inequities that our student body faces. My goal is to help create a community where students can express and celebrate their culture and individuality."
IDEA was co-founded by Ramon “Chino” Alfonso Soberano and Jalen Jorel Montgomery.
