Information about NAACP Travel Advisory for Missouri

AMTA is actively engaged and closely monitoring a travel advisory issued in late June by the Missouri NAACP State Conference. This advisory cautions residents and travelers in the state of Missouri, especially people of color, to be aware and informed and was in response to the passage of Missouri Senate Bill 43, which makes it more difficult to sue for employment and housing discrimination. It has been reported that the purpose of the advisory was to put pressure on the Missouri Governor to veto the bill. The advisory was later endorsed by the National NAACP and is in effect until August 28.  This advisory relates to serious, and sadly, ongoing discrimination issues in Missouri and has implications for many states in our country.

AMTA Officials and Conference Planner, Cindy Smith, are in direct contact with St. Louis officials including the St. Louis Mayor’s Office, the St. Louis City NAACP Branch, the St. Louis County NAACP Branch, the St. Louis Convention Services Bureau, the conference hotel, and others to glean relevant information pertaining to the 2017 AMTA Conference.  The St. Louis City NAACP Branch takes a firm stand against this bad legislation, but has made it clear to AMTA that the advisory is not a ban on travel and it welcomes our conference. St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson’s statement can be found here. 

AMTA is dedicated to ensuring that conference attendees are informed and safe.  Anyone who is currently registered for the conference and does not wish to attend in light of this information is welcome to contact the AMTA office. The AMTA Board of Directors also re-affirms AMTA’s commitment to its Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy.  As a reminder, AMTA conferences are planned several years in advance.  A positive conference experience, a welcoming environment, and the safety and security of all conference attendees is our highest priority. The advisory reminds us to be aware of our surroundings and this is good practice no matter where we travel or live. AMTA is working to provide conference registrants with resources, contact persons, or hotlines if participants witness or experience problems.

The mission of AMTA is to “advance public awareness of music therapy and to increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.” Our annual conferences help fulfill this mission in many ways by providing opportunities for networking, education, sharing of ideas and concerns, as well as the advancement of research and practice. We look forward to providing optimal opportunities for all conference attendees to interact at this year’s annual conference. All are welcome - everyone.

AMTA will update this notice as more information becomes available. For additional questions or to convey a specific individual concern, please contact the Conference Team:

• Cindy Smith, Conference Planner and Membership Associate: smith@musictherapy.org
• Al Bumanis, Director of Conferences and Communications: bumanis@musictherapy.org
• Dr. Jean Nemeth, Vice President: mnemeth670@aol.com
• Kristen O’Grady, Vice President-Elect kristenmarie120@hotmail.com