Diversity in Action Committee

Statement on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access 

In alignment and agreement with Binghamton University and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); we, the Department of Theatre acknowledge the collective responsibility of creating a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, accessible, and accepting environment for students, faculty, staff, patrons, and our extended community.  

Nina Simone says, “The artist’s duty is to reflect the times”. We embrace and expand this charge to include efforts towards addressing and dismantling harmful systems, and maintaining an awareness of the shifts occurring in our world to ensure that the knowledge we gain is reflected in the work we produce. We strive to place those who have been historically marginalized at the forefront of our efforts in recognition and celebration of all persons and all stories.    

We envision a department that welcomes all and operates without discrimination on basis of race, color, national origin, religious identity and expression, creed, age, ability, neurodiversity, body image, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, familial status, socio-economic status, military status, education level, and any of the other self-identifying characteristics as they continue to evolve. We share these practices across disciplines including actors, crews, directors, dancers, designers, stage managers,  technicians and all artists who contribute to our work.  We understand that this work is ongoing and we endeavor to build a foundation that allows for growth and sustainability. We understand that this work requires listening, reflecting, learning and changing to ensure that our actions align with our values. 

We affirm our commitment to: 

• Uplifting the Division of DEI’s values of “Unity, Identity, Excellence, Justice, Transparency and Engagement”
• Creating an environment where all feel respected, supported, heard and equipped to succeed
• Providing and promoting resources for engagement, mental/physical well-being, industry-related activity and other express needs of our community
• Celebrating all members of our community and their artistic expression
   

We carry these principles into initial conversation and planning of all aspects of our work including season planning and production, educational offerings, recruitment (students, faculty, and staff), performance and design opportunity and execution, community outreach and engagement, and departmental programming and operations.  For more information on our present and future efforts, please contact our DIA Committee Facilitator, Brandon A. Wright  at bawright@binghamton.edu.

Your thoughts, ideas and concerns - heard!

A big part of the work we're doing is making sure voices are heard on issues of DEIBA in theatre. Everyone is encouraged to fill out out the Feedback Form for DEIBA in Theatre with the Diversity in Action Leadership Team and/or General Committee. 

In this form, you will have the option to write *anonymously* OR to enter your name and contact information. If you write your contact information, you will also be able to indicate who you are willing to have your concerns shared with, and whether you would like someone from our Leadership Team to reach back out to you.