The National Association for Music Education said Friday it would fund two research projects studying diversity in music education—an announcement coming roughly two months after the group parted ways with its CEO after he made remarks some viewed as disparaging to African-Americans and Latinos.

NAfME will fund two research projects over the next two years to study issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in music education, the group said in its announcement. The association is currently accepting proposals for two $10,000 grants.

"NAfME remains committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the music education profession and the students educators serve," current NAfME CEO Michael Blakeslee said. "This latest call for research proposals also represents one of four of the association's strategic directions, which is to promote and disseminate sound data to advance music teaching and learning and influence educational policy."

Blackeslee's processor Michael Butera left the association in May following remarks critics alleged were racist. At least two people reported that Butera had said African-Americans and Latinos "lack the keyboard skills" to be music educated. In addition, he allegedly implied music theory was too difficult an area of study for both minority groups.

For his part, Butera said his comments had been misconstrued. After coming under heavy criticism for its CEO's alleged remarks, NAfME announced in early May that Butera "would not be returning to the organization."

In its announcement about the new diversity projects, NAfME noted it has previously funded research into a professional development program for urban educators and a study about the impact of a musical instrument loan program on lower-income students. http://bit.ly/29Uf3IF

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