Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Physics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is focused on furthering diversity and inclusion to ensure that the department offers a welcoming and inclusive climate for everyone. We would like to increase the number of underrepresented minorities on our faculty and attract more underrepresented students to the PhD and undergraduate programs.

The committee includes representatives from the tenured/tenure-track faculty, teaching faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Input from department members is sought in the form of confidential meetings, anonymous comment submission, and surveys. The committee presents at departmental gatherings and organizes informational and training events. Meetings between the committee and similar committees in other departments are aimed at establishing best practices and coordinating across departments.

Current Agenda

• Improve recruitment strategies for graduate and undergraduate URM students
• Work with the department to include a track for physics majors without previous physics experience
• Learn about scholarship possibilities for URM students
• Conduct department wide survey on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to better understand the current state of the physics department

What has the Committee been up to?

The Physics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is committed to ensuring that the department is a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.  Below is a list of past activities that we hope has moved us closer to this goal.

Fall 2019

• "This is Physics" posters, showing how diverse the field of physics is/can be are prominently displayed in the department near Crow 201
• Implemented an anonymous inclusion feedback form for the physics department

Spring 2018

• Physicsist, speaker and NASA scientist K. Renee Horton, PhD, discussed the importance of inclusion, her work at NASA and her nontraditional educational path during a visit cosponsored by the Physics Department and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

• Washington University's Diversity Program
• University Ombudpersons | for advice from outside the Physics Department
• Washington University bias reporting system
• Human Resources page with information related to discrimination
• Title IX at WashU
• Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Center resource listing
• Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Center
• WashU Cares
• SafeZones
• Uncle Joe's Peer Counseling Resource Center

Feedback

The Physics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee welcomes input from all members of the community on ways the department can better foster an inclusive environment. Individuals are welcome to set up a one-on-one or group meeting with any of the committee members listed above for a private conversation. Alternatively, comments may be submitted anonymously to a chosen member of the committee or the entire committee using the form below.

Please Note: Federal and University policies may require us to forward your feedback to appropriate University administrators. With this important caveat, the recipient of your choice will handle the feedback as privately as possible, and will contact the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, department, or University personnel to address the circumstances that led to the feedback. The committee is unable to investigate interpersonal conflicts or potential policy violations. For guidance on addressing interpersonal conflicts or potential policy violations, the Offices of the Ombuds serve as confidential, independent, and impartial resources. For filing a formal complaint, use the Bias Report and Support System or contact Human Resources. If you are unsure whether you wish to file a formal complaint, you can contact a member of the Physics Department's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for guidance on addressing interpersonal conflicts or potential policy violations.