Dear Brothers and Sisters of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a direct and negative impact on our membership, band programs, and campuses, several of our active and alumni members are also being confronted by another crisis that needs to be recognized: racial violence. While racial violence has permeated our country for years, the tragic murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others have left us scared, angry, and frustrated.

During these concerning times, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma stand in solidarity with the Black and African American community and with all of our Brothers and Sisters of color. Your lives, your health, and your safety matter.  We encourage all of our active and alumni members to reflect upon the missions and ideals of our organizations. Remember that our Rituals direct us to care for each other without reservation, and they show us that compassion and love are essential to our lives.

Sisters and Brothers, we want you to know that we hear you. We recognize and share your anger and your fear. We also recognize the contributions African Americans have made to advance the art of collegiate band music, both culturally and historically.  

Over the last few days we have held off on releasing a public statement to give our National Council, Board of Trustees, and Alumni Board leadership team members the time and safe space to process and express their own emotions in order to provide appropriate membership guidance. We appreciate your patience as we took this necessary step.

As we look to the fall semester, the National Leadership Teams will continue to focus on providing support to our chapters and alumni, banding together to tackle the difficulty and uncertainty that lies ahead. Additionally, our joint national leadership will work to continue conversations and programming surrounding diversity and inclusion in order to reinforce and strengthen environments that align with our values and purposes. It is important that we continue to listen to our membership, provide support as needed, and live out our missions and our values.

In the Bond,
The National Leadership Teams of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma