Title: Navigating the backlash of anti-DEI sentiment

Abstract: In this talk, the pros and cons of DEI initiatives in the American workplace will be examined from the point of view of those that are generally thought to benefit from these policies. A brief history on the state of the American workplace and the effect of DEI efforts like affirmative action on the American workplace over the last 45 years will be discussed. The wide range of reactions by those most effected by the attempted systemic removal and pushback against these policies when they were implemented will be examined. Finally, the effect of minority serving institutions and organizations will be highlighted as they serve their constituents by offering professional and emotional support while continuing to push for excellence in an increasingly hostile professional settings.

Bio: Stephen Roberson graduated with his Ph.D. in physics from Florida A&M University in 2006. After graduation, he was awarded a National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associateship at the Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD. He worked for nine years as a contractor with the Army Research Laboratory where he did several experiments using femtosecond laser systems for molecular spectroscopy, laser-material interaction studies, etc. After leaving ARL, he went to work for five years at C5ISR where he constructed another ultrafast laser laboratory and performed laser-material interaction research on materials of interest as well as other projects. He’s currently the lead physicist of the Applied Physics Division at 4S Silversword working on a number of projects dealing with free space optical communications and remote laser spectroscopy. Dr. Roberson is the newly inducted president of the National Society of Black Physicists. Before serving as president, he served on the executive board of the National Society of Black Physicists for eight years, first as the Administrative Executive Officer for seven years and the President-Elect for the past year.

Host: Sharonda LeBlanc/DEI