The theme of the 2021 Physics Education Research (PER) Conference was "Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics."

As a gateway discipline to STEM majors and careers, physics plays a central role in deciding who does, and who doesn't, get to discover and pursue scientific careers. Technical and scientific professionals are rewarded with economic privilege and status which affords them both social and cultural power. Therefore, social justice is realized only when the opportunity, and the choice, to excel in physics is open to all students. The culture and practices of the physics classroom reflect the culture of physics at large, which raises the question of how our professional physics communities can embrace, rather than inadvertently repel, a diverse group of academics that can help improve physics culture.  To this end, the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference focused on defining inclusive spaces and practices. Additionally, it explored strategies for eliminating exclusionary practices in our classrooms, research spaces, and professional organizations.