Physics and Astronomy are for everyone.
The LANL Center for Theoretical Astrophysics is committed to building and maintaining a supportive experience for all who participate. The CTA exists as a collection of people with many distinct life experiences and perspectives. The inclusion and participation of the breadth of human experience within our community is vitally important to the health and well-being of the scientific enterprise. Empirical evidence shows that a wide range of perspectives leads to better solutions to problems, better decision-making, and better outcomes. Moreover, discrimination and exclusion are damaging, both to those affected and to the scientific community, squandering precious talent.
Everyone is welcome in our community. This includes but is not limited to people of all personal expressions, sexual and romantic orientations, veteran statuses, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and political affiliations.
We are aware of the many different backgrounds and experiences people in our organization have. We believe it is necessary to respect the value that these experiences bring to one’s scientific work. Being true to these ideals requires regular and renewed action. Safe, inclusive, and harassment-free environments don’t just happen. They are created by the respectful day-to-day interactions we all have with each other.
Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind is unacceptable. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language, unwanted touching or attention, offensive images, photography without permission, and stalking. Avoid making inappropriate actions or statements based on characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, or educational background. We share a collaborative spirit. Although we often must, for example, compete for funding, we are fundamentally collaborators. We feel when we help each other succeed, we all succeed. Our goal is to build and sustain a welcoming community where everyone feels they belong and where our science can thrive and grow.
We engage in continuous learning. We are always open to the idea that we may be wrong. We allow space for respectful disagreement and discussion. We acknowledge our errors when they are brought to our attention. And when we err, we take it as an opportunity to learn. We actively work to make sure that all of our colleagues feel respected and included, and we speak up if we feel this is not happening. We discuss the message, not the messenger. We try to focus discussion and commentary on what is being spoken, not who is speaking.
We encourage our members to challenge authorities, ask difficult questions, and engage instimulating discussions. Science thrives on contradictions. We allow everyone the space to have their voice heard.
Our values are meant to serve our community. As such, this text is a living document. It is intended as a conversation. We encourage anyone with concerns to bring them forward for discussion.