Diversity & Inclusion
in Physics
A Student Organization at the University of Pennsylvania
Diversity and Inclusion in Physics (DIP) is a graduate-student-led group at Penn focused on improving our physics department to create a more inclusive environment. Our primary focuses are educating students within the physics department on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Physics, and advocating for the rights of marginalized graduate students, both at the department and university levels.
DIP acts as a point of contact for students, staff, and faculty to discuss such topics and devise strategies for higher-level advocacy. Your Involvement in DIP can vary from coming to events, accessing resources we provide, or getting involved at the leadership level!
We work to accomplish our goals in the following ways:
Establish and support a community of students comfortable with having open discussions about department culture and issues pertinent to DIP.
Annually, host a speaker to give a talk about topics related to diversity and inclusion in physics or STEM - these talks are to be held in the Physics & Astronomy department, but are open to all Penn students.
Hold reading groups to educate ourselves about the diverse forms of challenges faced by marginalized groups in STEM
Develop and maintain a presentation that serves to inform incoming students of the issues often faced by minorities in STEM and the importance of upholding the goals of DIP in our department.
Build “safe spaces”: the meetings and workshops that DIP provides aim to be a comfortable space for discussion and development of ideas relating directly to the department climate so that DIP can be as effective as possible at achieving the eventual goal of an empowering, inclusive, respectful community.
Listen to the needs of the marginalized members of the department and relay this information to University-wide policymakers. Make sure their voices are heard.