On Wednesday, the University of California announced that it will no longer require diversity statements in its hiring process—a practice praised by some but criticized by others—as reported by The New York Times. For the past 10 years, the university has used such statements as part of its hiring process, aligning with efforts across the country to promote diversity among students and faculty.
“Our values and commitment to our mission have not changed,” Janet Reilly, chair of the system’s Board of Regents, said in a statement late Wednesday. “We will continue to embrace and celebrate Californians from a variety of life experiences, backgrounds, and points of view,” as reported by The New York Times.
This decision follows a warning from the US Department of Education to 60 colleges about potential enforcement actions if they fail to protect Jewish students. Among the University of California’s 10 campuses, four—Berkeley, Davis, San Diego, and Santa Barbara—received these letters.
Meanwhile, faculty, students, and supporters at the University of California, Berkeley, rallied on campus Wednesday to protest the Trump administration’s actions and threats regarding college protests and curriculum, as reported by CBS News. The rally began around 12:30 p.m. at Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus. Organizers stated that it was in response to what they described as unlawful threats from the administration and the U.S. Department of Justice, which has recently targeted pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, as reported by CBS News.
The university system is also preparing for an 8% state budget cut and facing potential federal funding restrictions. Like several other universities in recent days, UC President Michael Drake has announced a systemwide hiring freeze, as reported by The New York Times.
In a letter to system leaders on Wednesday, university provost Katherine S. Newman stated that the Regents had directed Drake to remove diversity statements from the hiring process for all new positions, as reported by The New York Times.
Although the University of California faced a lawsuit over its use of diversity statements, the case was ultimately dismissed after a judge ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing, as reported by The New York Times.
With the removal of diversity statements and the ongoing hiring freeze, the University of California faces growing challenges in maintaining its commitment to inclusivity while navigating financial and political pressures. As debates over academic freedom and campus policies continue, the university’s next steps will be closely watched by educators, policymakers, and students across the country.
