DEI Statement

As your professor and mentor, I hold dear my responsibilities to student growth and development, including their health and happiness, and especially their sense of security and safety.  Opportunities to work in my field-lab are open to all students, no matter their race, religion, faith, sex, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, abilities, and any and all unique differences or traits students feel important to their self or cultural identity.  

Thus, I will protect your right to an education and mentoring by me, and protect you from any and all who cause discomfort by means of bias and bullying, micro and macro aggressions, and those who state or act with prejudice, discrimination and/or commit social injustice.  

You are always welcome to approach and discuss with me any and all issues, discomforts, fears, or discoveries of trespass concerning your person.  I am a student-first professor.  I promote a safe and welcoming place in my field-lab and in my classes for all students.  If you work in my field-lab or a student in my class, you are accepted, and you should feel a sense of belonging and safety.  If you ever feel uncomfortable, insecure or bullied by another student (or anyone else), please see me ASAP.  I am here to help.

Thomas D. Berry 4, Ph.D. (2022; updated: 2-24-23)

I am a supporter of all personal Federal protection Acts, Titles, and Amendments under law, including:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (General Protection)

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Employment Protection)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990