[phas-alumni] [phas-dept] Departmental commitment to a welcoming and supporting environment

[Kurtis Williams]

Hello everyone,

Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when the United States remembers the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the ongoing struggles for liberty, equality and justice for all.

In that vein, I would like to state unequivocally that the Department of Physics and Astronomy stands fully behind these ideals.  Physics and astronomy are sciences that search for universal truth and laws, and this search is open to everybody.  As department head, I personally feel *Very* strongly about this, and I will do all in my power to endure that our department is welcoming and supportive of each and every person who wishes to be part of our search for knowledge.

Therefore, please ensure that your words and actions keep this in mind. Our department has people from many different nations and backgrounds and spanning the spectra of religion, race, gender, sexuality, political opinions, economic backgrounds, etc., etc., etc.  Within departmental spaces (this includes the peer learning lab, classrooms, and shared spaces) I expect everyone to behave in a manner that is accepting and welcoming to everyone.

This does not mean that you cannot talk about politics or personal opinions, but that I expect you to do so in a manner that indicates you value each person and that they always feel safe in our spaces.  This does not mean that you have to agree with each other. It does *not* mean that you have to be comfortable with what other people are saying.  It does mean you are permitted to argue civilly (see the Step Up posters in rooms 111 and 135).

Finally, please remember that all physics spaces are first and foremost for the learning of physics and astronomy. If someone is trying to study, please understand that even polite and civil and quiet non-physics conversations can be a major distraction.  If you are studying, you have a right to request a sterile physics environment, and I expect everyone else to respect that.

My office is always open if you have issues you need to discuss, be it problems relating to the above issues, worries about your own personal safety in the political environment, or even just anxiety or concerns about the current public climate. I will keep all such discussions confidential.  If your concerns regard me, you are always welcome to talk to Dr. Montgomery in the Dean's Office if you don't feel comfortable talking to me.

Cheers,
Dr. Williams

Dr. Kurtis A. Williams (he/him/his)

Professor and Department Head

Department of Physics and Astronomy<https://www.tamuc.edu/physics>


P: 903.886.5488


East Texas A&M University<https://www.tamuc.edu/>
(formerly Texas A&M University-Commmerce)



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