Comment from Susan DiFranzo

[200.300, 200.218] To Whom it May Concern: I am an associate professor of physics and have been teaching physics for more than 30 years. 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 actively involved with our Girls in STEM workshop every year. I also serve as a judge in various competitions for high school science students. These are activities that encourage many students to explore science who might not otherwise have the opportunity. I am part of a multidisciplinary NSF grant for expanding research to undergraduates at two year schools that normally would not have access to undergraduate research experience. Many of our students come from disadvantaged and under-represented groups. Terminating our grant would severely damage our ability to get our students the experiences they need to succeed in furthering their STEM degrees. It is essential that STEM outreach is expanded, not restricted, to guarantee that everyone has a chance to learn, succeed, and contribute to advancing science.