McLEAN, Va. (AP) - The director of a national association of music teachers is out of a job after he reportedly told a diversity forum that blacks and Latinos lack the "keyboard skills" needed for the profession.
The Reston-based National Association for Music Education said Wednesday it has parted ways with its executive director and CEO, Michael Butera.
Attendees at a forum in Washington last month sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts say Butera stormed out after questions about his organization's lack of diversity.
Before walking out, attendees say he defended the lack of diversity by stating that "blacks and Latinos lack the keyboard skills needed for this field" and suggesting that music theory was too difficult a subject for minorities.
Butera says his remarks have been portrayed inaccurately.
