Music and dance have the potential to bring people together. While enabling individuals to express their individual values, they also call for dialogue, collaboration and pluralism. The JAMD community – students, faculty and staff – is a microcosm of Israeli society and represents Israel's blend of diverse gender, ethnic, national and religious identities. Additionally, JAMD attracts many international students who arrive from everywhere around the globe and further expands JAMD's cultural diversity. We are proud to put the values of tolerance and respect at the core of JAMD’s vision. These are expressed by the diverse groups of students and faculty, the varied curriculum and the open, inclusive atmosphere, all of which make JAMD one of the most welcoming, friendly and diverse institutions of higher education in Israel.
The achievements of JAMD in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion are manifold. While providing classic training at the highest level, the curriculum is culturally inclusive and JAMD's various faculties and departments attract students from all walks of Israeli society. Arab students make up around 10% of the total JAMD student population and together with Israel Council for Higher Education, JAMD operates an Accessibility Program for Arab students that assists in bridging linguistic, cultural and financial gaps. JAMD further invests considerable efforts in financially and academically supporting students in need. These efforts include prioritizing under-privileged sectors in JAMD's scholarship system, a Student Support Unit for academic assistance, Counseling Services for emotional assistance and mentoring projects. It is, however, crucial that we not take this diversity for granted and keep working regularly to implement the values of diversity in all academic levels.
For this purpose, JAMD has founded a Diversity Center that focuses on 3 areas:
- Representation – Promoting the values of diversity within JAMD's regular activities. Checking existing academic and disciplinary codes and publications and recommending corrections when necessary. Managing complaints and offenses in the field of diversity: receiving relevant information and suggesting the appropriate modes of action.
- Education – Implementing the values of diversity within JAMD's regular activities. Formulating and publishing JAMD's policy in the areas of diversity. Operating educational activities for promoting the committee's vision and implementation of its values among students, faculty and staff.
- Accessibility – Testing JAMD's academic, administrative and physical structures and their adaptability to diverse groups.
The center for equity and diversity is composed of leading academic and administrative staff within JAMD's community: At least four meetings will be held during each academic year and additional meetings will be held according to specific needs. The Committee routinely reports to JAMD's management and a concluding report is annually presented to JAMD's Board of Directors.