Comment from Hope Bretscher

[200.300, 200.218] To Whom it May Concern: I am an assistant professor in condensed matter physics. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.300 and 200.218 that would impede STEM recruitment and retention initiatives and restrict certain research fields vital to broadening participation in STEM. I am a white woman in physics. I have been a part of supporting, as well as benefited from, many initiatives that focus on increasing participation of minoritized populations in STEM. These have been vital toward helping me advance in my career, which ultimately helps me to try to broaden the workforce in STEM. I have already seen that numerous initiatives I was previously a part of are no longer operating. I think this is highly problematic. I do agree that focusing specifically on race, or gender, and not on other characteristics (socioeconomic background) - is problematic. But this tdoes not mean we should destroy these initiatives- we need to find ways to ensure that the STEM workforce supports people from a range of backgrounds. This is vital toward conceptions of objectivity (ie - to build scientific concensus- we need people who come from different backgrounds and perspectives). It is also vital to ensure that research is being done that supports different populations of people. There have been ways that DEI initiatives have harmed scientific enquiry, but we should not ban these outright: we should try to find ways for reform. I attended a "rising stars in physics" event, that helped women in physics prepare for faculty interviews, hosted by the Simons foundation. Now, the Simons foundation is scared to have this, and no university will host it. I felt at a significant disadvantage in comparison to my male peers when applying for jobs- i was explicitly told by mentors to be "more male" in interviews- and did not have the support that others had as I have zero female mentors. THis event was incredibly helpful- in preparing, as well as building a network as I begin a new job. This now no longer exists- and I think will continue to make it challenging for women to succeed. To me- we should not destroy this event- but should have others like it to also support those from marginalized socioeconomic backgrounds. The US workforce is strongest when it is most diverse. This rule will make this more challenging- and thus will impact the success of US STEM for generations to come.