Michael Butera, the CEO of #NAfME was quoted as saying, “Blacks and Latinos lack the keyboard skills needed for this field (music education).” Mr. Butera believes this is because, music theory is too difficult for [Blacks and Latinos] as an area of study." We believe as a representative of an American national Music Education organization he should be forced to resign for a racist statement that will affect the future of music education in the USA.
Why is this important?
The assertion that people from different races do not possess equal music ability is inaccurate, extremely offensive and counter to the values we as music teachers and music teacher educators hold most dear. We would like to see the government create a task force to address diversity in music education that will construct a list of timely, actionable, constructive goals for addressing issues of inclusion in the music education profession.
