Statement on recent events from Department Chair Mark Pitt and Diversity Committee Chair Lara Anderson

Dear members of the physics department,

We are writing regarding the events of the past week, as we know they are of great concern to many of you.  We support the statements of our college, university, and professional society, and we urge you to take the time to read them.  These events shine a spotlight on many issues including the systemic racism that continues to impact many people and, as one consequence, keeps groups of people like our department from achieving its full potential.  We look forward to working within the department and in the college towards the sustainable transformation called for by President Sands and Vice President Pratt Clarke in their university statement.  We welcome your input as we work with them to make Virginia Tech "a model for a just and equitable learning community."

Sincerely,
Mark Pitt
Chair, Physics Department

Lara Anderson
Chair, Physics Diversity Committee