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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">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 *<b>Very</b>* 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">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 *<b>not</b>* 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). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Cheers,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Dr. Williams<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;color:#00386C">Dr. Kurtis A. Williams (he/him/his)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#4F5352">Professor and Department Head</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#4F5352"><a href="https://www.tamuc.edu/physics"><span style="color:#0088CE">Department of Physics and Astronomy</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#4F5352;text-transform:uppercase">P: 903.886.5488</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#4F5352"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#4F5352"><a href="https://www.tamuc.edu/"><span style="color:blue">East Texas A&M University</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#4F5352">(formerly Texas A&M University-Commmerce)</span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;color:#4F5352"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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