Some of the DEI restrictions proposed or passed for 2023 and beyond focused on prohibiting the use of diversity statements in faculty hiring and promotion processes.
If a university requires faculty and job applicants to complete a diversity statement as part of hiring or promotion, it may raise serious concerns about faculty academic freedom. Such requirements can convey the message that only certain approaches, language, and ways of thinking about diversity and equity are acceptable. This can distort the way faculty perform their professional duties and force them to take on teaching or research positions that they do not wholeheartedly support. It can also limit the potential for meaningful dialogue and debate on campus around complex social and political issues.
On the other hand, there are times when a person's background, personal experiences, and identity are closely related to their studies and academic activities. Additionally, academic hiring and promotion committees should be sensitive to whether candidates understand and support students of diverse backgrounds, affiliations, and perspectives. Statements on such subjects can provide evidence of an ability to work effectively with students of all identities and persuasions. However, such statements should be voluntary. When asked about such subjects, different perspectives and approaches should be accommodated accordingly.
Because of this complexity, PEN America is seeking legislation or regulations prohibiting the use of diversity statements in university hiring and promotion processes, out of concern that they may prevent consideration of useful information about a candidate's qualifications. I hate working on it. Such bills have only a limited and indirect impact on educational expression, and are therefore included in the PEN America bill. Index of educational gag orders However, only if additional, more explicitly censorious provisions are included.
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