- Texas Tech University’s biology department considers applicants’ diversity statements when evaluating potential hires, according to documents obtained by National Association of Scholars fellow John Sailer.
- The university later announced it would no longer require applicants to submit diversity statements, according to a screenshot posted by Sailer.
- “These documents definitively show that some universities heavily weigh diversity statements, and that diversity statement evaluations can easily become ideological purity tests,” Sailer told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect a statement from Texas Tech University confirming it will no longer consider diversity statements in the hiring process, according to National Association of Scholars fellow John Sailer.
Texas Tech University (TTU) announced Tuesday it will no longer require job applicants to submit diversity statements after a National Association of Scholars (NAS) report revealed how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) was considered in the hiring process for its biology department.
TTU’s biology department required search committees to prioritize DEI in the hiring process, according to its archived resolution on DEI, and provide a report to the department about diversity metrics and the implementation of the statements. Members flagged lack of commitment or understanding of as weaknesses in various candidates, according to documents obtained by NAS fellow John Sailer through a Freedom of Information Act. (RELATED: Medical Schools Are Offering ‘Incentives’ For Departments That Hit Diversity Targets: REPORT)
“It’s especially notable that one job candidate was penalized for not describing the difference between ‘equity’ and ‘equality,'” Sailer told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “This is a common trope in DEI training, often accompanied by a cheezy cartoon, and it’s virtually always used to make the argument that equality of opportunity is not enough. Suddenly, not repeating a decidedly political talking point can damage a biologist’s job prospects. That’s kind of crazy.”
One candidate was flagged for saying “that DEI is not an issue because he respects his students and treats them equally.” The candidate also defined “diversity” as “a country of origin” and reportedly did not mention women, the documents reveal.
Search committee members listed minimal DEI understanding as a “weakness” for multiple applicants.
“Diversity statement policies are often ambiguous, and many people deny that they’re used as ideological litmus tests, or that they’re weighed heavily at all,” Sailer told the DCNF. “I wanted to get some first-hand info about how these statements are used, and I think these documents provide an excellent piece of evidence for the ongoing debate over DEI statements.”
NEW: At Texas Tech, each search committee in the biology department was required to submit a report on how they evaluated job candidates’ diversity statements.
Through a records request, I’ve acquired these reports. I explore them @WSJopinion.https://t.co/W9YwG7wqh9
— John Sailer (@JohnDSailer) February 7, 2023
However, search committee members praised candidates for showing interest and understanding toward DEI.
One candidate’s strengths were listed as being “clear on difference between African diaspora of scientists and African Americans” and pledged to boost “inclusivity in lab” by establishing diversity as a theme and preventing micro-aggressions.
Another candidate got the green light for including a “land acknowledgement” during the interview, according to the documents.
“These documents definitively show that some universities heavily weigh diversity statements, and that diversity statement evaluations can easily become ideological purity tests,” Sailer explained.
The department rated candidates on a scale of 1 to 5 regarding their “knowledge of” and “track record of advancing” DEI, according to an archived rubric sheet.
Candidates received fewer points for having “vague” or “little” knowledge of DEI, or for conflating the terms or appearing uncomfortable when discussing them. They receive more points for demonstrating knowledge and interest in DEI.
“This understanding can result from personal experiences as well as an investment in learning about the experiences of those with identities different from their own,” the rubric reads.
Additionally, candidates received fewer points for participating in little to no activities related to DEI, not going beyond expectations of faculty, being vague or only attending workshops to educate themselves on DEI.
Candidates scored higher points on the rubric sheet for displaying a multi-year track record of DEI-related activities, organizing or speaking at DEI workshops or serving as a leader in an organization for “underrepresented individuals.”
The rubric also scored candidates on how they intend to advance DEI in the department if hired.
The school announced Tuesday that it would not require applicants to submit diversity statements and will conduct a review of “hiring procedures across all colleges and departments,” according to a screenshot posted by Sailer.
UPDATE: After I published my article in @WSJopinion, Texas Tech University announced that it has ended its use of DEI statements. pic.twitter.com/0QYAtenXFO
— John Sailer (@JohnDSailer) February 8, 2023
“Texas Tech University’s faculty hiring practices will always emphasize disciplinary excellence and the ability of candidates to support our priorities in student success, impactful scholarship, and community engagement,” the announcemet reportedly read.
TTU and the department did not immediately respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.
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