Diversity screening limiting applicants at UC WSJ Opinion: The University’s New Loyalty Oath
Required ‘diversity and inclusion’ statements amount to a political litmus test for hiring.
By Abigail Thompson (chair of the UC Davis math department)
Dec. 19, 2019
"...Earlier this year, I was invited to submit an essay to the Notices of the American Mathematical Society, the most widely read journal in mathematics. I decided to express my view that these required statements have become political litmus tests, and that this should worry us all. My submission provoked an intense controversy—confirming that this has become a dangerously politicized issue...."
"...Many emails contained a disturbing theme, typified by this line from one of them: “Some day I, too, hope to speak out on this issue, but it is simply too dangerous at present.” This is a frightening sentiment to hear in academia. If expressing a widespread but controversial view is seen as taking a tremendous personal risk, the university system isn’t healthy. Ideas cannot thrive and mistakes cannot be corrected if people are afraid to speak out...."
"Mandatory diversity statements can too easily become a test of political ideology and conformity. “No political test shall ever be considered in the appointment and promotion of any faculty member or employee.” This fundamental principle, forged in one of the most difficult periods the UC system has ever endured, must not be abandoned. "
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-universitys-new-loyalty-oath-11576799749