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<div class="">Dear All,</div>
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<div class="">I’m writing to let everyone know that there will be a #ShutDownSTEM program for the Biology Department on Wednesday June 10. I am fully supportive and endorse this program. It is the beginning of open and transparent conversations about racial
bias, diversity, and inclusion throughout the department. I encourage everyone to participate. Please reschedule whatever you can to allow for your participation in this day-long program and allow your staff as much time as possible to participate. </div>
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<div class="">Some information about #ShutDownSTEM:</div>
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<div class="">From the website (<a href="https://www.shutdownstem.com/" class="">https://www.shutdownstem.com/</a>): <i class="">"#ShutDownSTEM is an initiative from a multi-identity, intersectional coalition of STEM professionals and academics taking action
for Black lives.”</i> <i class="">"No matter where you physically live, you impact and are impacted by this moment in history. This is not exclusive to the United States. We must all work against anti-Black racism.”</i> <span class="">T</span>hey also note
that: <i class="">"#ShutDownSTEM is aimed at the broad research community who is not directly participating in ending the global pandemic, COVID-19. If your daily activities are directly helping us end this global crisis, we send our sincerest gratitude."</i> </div>
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<div class="" style="font-family: Palatino-Roman;">There will be an email later today or this evening with more information, including an all-day schedule for the program.</div>
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<div class="" style="font-family: Palatino-Roman;">Thank you in advance for your participation in these important and necessary conversations.</div>
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<div class="" style="font-family: Palatino-Roman;">Alan</div>
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Alan D. Grossman<br class="">
Professor and Head<br class="">
Department of Biology<br class="">
Building 68-530<br class="">
M.I.T.<br class="">
Cambridge, MA 02139<br class="">
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(617) 253-1515<br class="">
<a href="mailto:adg@mit.edu" class="">adg@mit.edu</a><br class="">
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