ABOUT
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Creating practices, policies, and organizational changes at USC Thornton that support and reflect the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Creating Change
While actively fostering intellectual and creative exploration, innovative approaches and connections with the world, USC Thornton also recognizes it is imperative for musicians and scholars to acknowledge systemic racism and the historical exclusion of marginalized peoples in music and to do the required work of reconciliation and repair.
Thornton’s Pledge
USC Thornton is committed to preparing students to create and perform the music of the past, present, and future from a socially and politically-engaged, critically-informed, and community-driven perspective. Read our commitment pledge for specifics and next steps.
D.E.I.B. Committee
With the collective input of our faculty, students and administration, the D.E.I.B. committee develops strategies and measures progress in key change areas such as curriculum; recruitment and retention for both students and faculty; and the climate for BIPOC members at Thornton.
Current Committee Members
Ronald C. McCurdy, D.E.I.B. Chair
Lina Bahn, faculty
Angelica Brooks, student
Viet Bui, staff
Jeff De Caen, staff
William Coppola, faculty
Leon Garcia Corona, faculty
Jeanine Cowen, faculty
Derrick Lawrence, faculty
Larry Livingston, faculty
Kevin Lyman, faculty
Gretchen Meier, staff
Amber Robinson, staff
Seth Parker Woods
Clarence Penn, faculty
Tram Sparks, faculty
Scott Spencer, faculty
Katherine Teeter, student
Matt Weaver, student
Mark Weiser, faculty
Guang Yang, faculty
From Tragedy to Triumph
From Tragedy to Triumph was an interactive, student-led series about the African diaspora told through discussion with film, dance and music. The seven-part series was organized by USC Thornton Professor of Music and Associate Dean of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging committee Ronald C. McCurdy. Each event was produced in creative collaboration among musicians and writers from across the university with student & faculty composers, dancers, and filmmakers.