Welcome to the Community and Inclusion Committee
You have arrived at the website of the Community and Inclusion Committee of the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy is bound to the University of Oklahoma’s Diversity Statement. Specifically, the department is devoted to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background, and perspectives. As a department, we are committed to safeguarding our community from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, citizenship, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of our policies, practices, or procedures. Physics and astronomy flourish best when physicists and astronomers can work in an environment of safety, justice, and equity. Therefore, all of us must work vigorously to oppose systemic discrimination and overcome implicit biases. Please see the departmental Code of Conduct for more information.
The departmental Community and Inclusion Committee aims to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy such that the representation of traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups, within the department, is more reflective of our society, and work towards a sustainable, diverse, and thriving physics/astronomy community.
The Community and Inclusion Committee was formed in summer 2020. It is an integral part of the department. The committee’s activities are informed by APS-IDEA (inclusion, diversity, and equity alliance) and the committee’s goals are aligned with multiple “tactics” of OU’s Strategic Plan and the College of Arts and Sciences' Strategic Plan.
We invite you to explore this website. You will find details on the committee’s goals, information on where to seek help and how to report an incident, the departmental Drop Box (a tool to provide input, such as ideas for activities aimed at strengthening departmental community, suggestions for improvement of any sort, constructive feedback (positive and negative), praise, or comments on a sensitive subject, related to any member/aspect(s) of the department), and upcoming and past activities.
Please be kind and considerate, and do not hesitate to reach out to any of the committee members, the entire committee, or any of the entities listed on the Resources pages.
Check out OU's DEI Calendar
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office of the University of Oklahoma offers a variety of training opportunities and events. Please check out their offerings and consider signing up for one or more training sessions. You can find the DEI calendar, which includes registration links, here.
OU Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations.
Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgement is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Land Acknowledgement Statement and additional resources (from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) can be found here: Land Acknowledgement and Resources
