Michigan report: DEI statements are political litmus tests

The University of Michigan Diversity Statement Working Group found that “these standalone documents [DEI statements] should no longer be solicited as part of faculty hiring and consideration for promotion and tenure. This first recommendation is based upon the nearly 2,000 faculty member responses to a survey we created, our reading of numerous actual diversity statements supplied by U-M deans and dean-level directors, and supporting information contained in the Report of the Advisory Committee on the University of Michigan Principles on Diversity of Thought & Freedom of Expression.”

“Specifically, critics of diversity statements perceive them as expressions of personal identity traits, support of specific ideology or opinions on socially-relevant issues, and serve as a “litmus test” of whether a faculty member’s views are politically acceptable. Thus, as currently enacted, diversity statements have the potential to limit viewpoints and reduce diversity of thought among faculty members…