The Madison Scouts family grieves with communities affected by the latest tragedies in our country, driven by systemic racism. As educators, it is our duty to establish a standard by which all people are treated equally and afforded the same opportunities to participate in performance, instruction, and leadership. We take action through our work to make it universally recognized that Black Lives Matter.

The Madison Scouts, Black Star Drum Line, and Forward Performing Arts commit to the following:

• Critically assessing, evaluating, and acting on the key factors that disproportionately impact people of color as it relates to our programs
• Embedding racial awareness and responsiveness into our educational, administrative, and program design considerations
• Establishing a permanent advisory committee of students and staff, who will play a role in supporting the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Continued assurance that those participating within our programs are protected from and fight against intolerance and racism

We recognize it is our duty to educate ourselves and those we serve about racism and societal inequities. As such, we are engaged in continuous self-reflection and analysis of our internal culture in support of those ideals.

To our brothers and sisters in the black community, May You Never Walk Alone.