Inclusion Week Physics Event

Hi all,

On Tuesday October 19 at 3:30 pm, we are planning a special Physics Colloquium event as part of Inclusion Week.

Last year, we had a panel discussion on identity, on the grounds that "feeling like you have to hide part of your identity" is a sign of a not-very-inclusive environment.  Students Eric Steacy and Riza Baltazar, and Prof. Heather Logan courageously shared about themselves, in an initiative that was very well received as part of the conversation about ways to improve equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in our department, and in physics more generally.

Given the positive impact of last year's event, we would like to repeat the experience this year.  Obviously we don't want anyone to feel pressured to do something that makes them uncomfortable, so we are calling for speakers on a strictly voluntary basis.

This call is open to all students, postdocs, research assistants, staff, instructors and faculty members of our department.  If you would like to share your story, please let me know by Thursday October 14, and I will include you as speaker.

I find that often the tipping point for people to recognize the existence of systemic discrimination is to hear such testimonies from colleagues and friends. Thanks in advance for your participation!

Cheers,
Simon  (on behalf of the Physics EDI committee)