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Equity and Inclusion

The Committee for Equity and Inclusion Statement Condemning Racism

We recognize that Physics and Astronomy as a department, in reflection of trends in broader academia and society as a whole, has failed to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. In response to this failure, the Physics and Astronomy Department’s Committee for Equity and Inclusion has been formed to build on the ongoing efforts of many department members and to hold ourselves accountable to realizing progress.

Our aspiration for this committee is to facilitate the change we need to effectively reach our goal of a more equitable and diverse department. This will take a lot of work, dedication, and revision of processes, but the only way for us to be successful is to both challenge and engage all members of the department. This will undoubtedly lead to uncomfortable conversations but we as a community should open ourselves to alternate perspectives and ideas to further obtain this common goal. We need the support of the leadership, experience of faculty and staff, and the enthusiasm and creativity of our students. Over the coming weeks, you can expect to see our new departmental webpage, where we will be sharing resources, action items, progress updates, and establishing methods of anonymous feedback.

If you would like to know more about the committee, please feel free to reach out to us directly through our mailing list: pa-equity@listserv.it.northwestern.edu

If you would like to know more about what the committee is working on, please visit our website here.

You are able to submit complaints, concerns, and suggestions where you may leave your feedback anonymous or include your email if you want to have contact regarding your submission: Anonymous Feedback Form

We would like to share with you three broadly defined areas of exploration.

Self-Assessment and Evaluation:

  • Climate surveys, exit interviews, and general data collection and compilation informed by social science methodologies
  • Quantitative metrics and their analysis to understand our department and monitor progress
  • Discovery, compilation, and generation of educational and training resources

Policies:

  • Practices used in recruitment, admissions, and hiring
  • Support mechanisms for minority groups
  • Methods for training, reporting, and accountability

Engagement:

  • Departmental trainings, professional development, onboarding, seminars, and discussions
  • Outreach and educational initiatives
  • Coordination with university leadership and other departments; local communities and institutions; and national organizations

The CEI was formed by the Department Chair, Prof. Michael Schmitt, from a group of volunteers within the department.  Committee membership will rotate yearly, and is currently composed of:

  • Faculty: Ryan Chornock (chair), Enectalí Figueroa-Feliciano, Bennett Goldberg
  • Staff: Peri Drury, Erin Sazy
  • Graduate Students: Lindsey Byrne, Moe Jalilvand, Chloe Lohmeyer, David Matthews, Newlin Weatherford
  • Postdocs: Luke Kelley, Natasha Sachdeva

We look forward to working with you in our commitment towards equity and inclusion.

[The Physics & Astronomy Committee for Equity & Inclusion]