The University of California (UC) has decided to eliminate diversity statements from its hiring practices.
Provost Katherine S. Newman of the university sent a letter to system leaders informing them that diversity statements are no longer mandatory for new applicants.
Newman explained that while some programs and departments have previously required diversity statements, the university has never had an official policy on them and believes they may negatively impact applicant evaluation.
The University of California is no longer requiring its programs or departments to use diversity statements in hiring. (iStock)
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“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,” the letter obtained by Fox News Digital read.
She added that employees and applicants can still reference accomplishments related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on their own, but requiring stand-alone diversity statements is no longer permitted.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly said that the university will still continue to honor its commitment to “embrace and celebrate Californians from a variety of life experiences, backgrounds, and points of view.”
UC follows the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of Michigan in eliminating diversity statements as elite colleges start scaling back on DEI initiatives.
The Department of Education under Trump has warned schools across the country that federal funding could be cut if they do not remove DEI policies. (Getty Images)
A recent letter from the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights to departments of education in all 50 states warned about the removal of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies or possible legal consequences and a loss of federal funding.
The Trump administration pulled $400 million in grants to Columbia University earlier this month due to the school’s failure to combat rising antisemitism on campus.
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While it is unclear if these events influenced the decision to eliminate diversity statements, UC President Michael Drake also announced a system-wide hiring freeze and various cost-saving measures in anticipation of a significant state budget cut and potential federal challenges in the future.
UC President Michael Drake prepared for the possibility of losing federal funding under the Trump administration. (iStock)
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