Taking a Stand

Part of Berklee’s stated mission is to promote an open learning environment. In the spirit of the college’s commitment to inclusivity and equity a group of Berklee students launched the STAND initiative to raise awareness about sexual and gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination.

The idea for the initiative began in September 2014, when representatives from the Obama administration contacted Berklee’s Student Government Association about becoming involved in the "It’s On Us" campaign, aimed at preventing sexual assaults on college campuses. The student leadership then initiated conversation among different groups on campus regarding the immense influence music and musicians can have in shaping culture, attitudes, and behaviors around a number of social issues. These conversations touched on Berklee’s potential to influence the music industry and society at large. Because Berklee is a microcosm of the music industry, student leaders focused on initiating change in the Berklee community.

President Roger H. Brown offered financial support from his office for an initiative. STAND was chosen for the group’s name to connote the idea of taking a stand.

When the fall 2014 semester began, student leaders invited all Berklee students to join the STAND committee to brainstorm ideas for projects and campaigns. They initially chose sexual and gender-based violence and harassment as areas of emphasis, but ultimately they broadened the mission to encompass all forms of harassment and discrimination. The first meeting brought new students with ideas and passion for the topic. Attendance at subsequent meetings continued to grow.

The students’ first project was the Twilight Induction event. The goal was not only to raise awareness of their mission but also to bring members of the community together to discuss the importance of fostering a safe, supportive environment at Berklee. Various community members attended, and members of the group Parliament Funkadelic , or P-Funk, spoke. STAND students and staff composed a “Berklee pledge” for the event stating the community’s commitment to creating a respectful, inclusive, and open environment for all its members.

During spring orientation, response to STAND’s efforts was positive and all entering students recited the pledge. STAND then launched a campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault. The campaign features members of the Berklee community holding signs that say, "I STAND because…" followed by each person’s handwritten reason for taking a stand. The aim is to encourage dialogue about the issue and to let students know that Berklee supports creating a positive environment. To date, students, staff, administration, and faculty members have participated, including President Roger Brown and songwriting faculty member Melissa Ferrick. P-Funk bandleader George Clinton took the inaugural photo during his recent visit to the college. STAND encourages other musicians and alumni to get involved. To view photos from the campaign, visit facebook.com/BerkleeStand.

Today, the goals are to further the work of the initiative and to garner ongoing support. We hope that greater awareness at Berklee about violence, harassment, and discrimination will transfer to the larger music industry, which Berklee students will enter and where Berklee alumni and other professional musicians are employed. To get involved or learn more, email stand@berklee.edu or go visit berklee.edu/stand.