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University of California Abolishes Diversity Statement Requirement in Hiring
The University of California (UC) has recently announced a significant shift in its hiring practices by eliminating the requirement for diversity statements from job applicants. This decision marks a trend among prestigious institutions as they reassess their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In a letter released by UC’s provost, Katherine S. Newman, on Wednesday, it was communicated to the university’s leadership that diversity statements are no longer mandatory for new applicants. While certain programs within UC had previously requested these statements, Newman clarified that the university has never enforced a formal policy on this matter, suggesting that the practice could adversely affect the evaluation process of applicants.
“The requirement to submit a diversity statement may lead applicants to focus on an aspect of their candidacy that is outside their expertise or prior experience,” her letter stated, as seen by Fox News Digital.
Though the new policy prohibits departments from mandating these statements, Newman emphasized that applicants are still welcome to include any relevant accomplishments related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within their applications.
UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly reassured that the university remains committed to valuing the diverse experiences and backgrounds of Californians. “We continue to embrace and celebrate Californians from a variety of life experiences, backgrounds, and points of view,” she said in her statement to Fox News Digital.
UC’s decision follows similar actions by elite universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Michigan, as they scale back on DEI policies amid a broader national conversation regarding these initiatives.
Additionally, this announcement coincides with recent warnings from the Department of Education under the Trump administration, which indicated that schools could face legal repercussions, including loss of federal funding, if they do not eliminate DEI policies from their frameworks.
The situation escalated earlier this month when the Trump administration withdrew $400 million in grants from Columbia University due to the institution’s handling of rising antisemitism on its campus, further influencing discussions around DEI initiatives.
While UC hasn’t specified whether external pressures contributed to the decision to strip away the requirement for diversity statements, UC President Michael Drake announced a series of cost-saving measures, including a system-wide hiring freeze, in response to anticipated budget cuts from the state and possible federal funding challenges.
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