The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has become the first elite institution to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements from its faculty hiring process, citing concerns over freedom of expression.
The move by MIT, announced on Sunday, follows a growing backlash against mandatory DEI statements in higher education, with critics arguing that they stifle academic freedom and limit the diversity of thought on campuses.
According to the university, the decision to scrap DEI statements was made by President Sally Kornbluth with the support of the Provost, Chancellor, and all six academic deans. A university spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "requests for a statement on diversity will no longer be part of applications for any faculty positions at MIT."
In a statement, Dr. Kornbluth explained her decision, saying that "compelled statements impinge on freedom of expression, and they don’t work." She emphasized her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment at MIT but maintained that mandatory diversity statements were not an effective way to achieve that goal.
Prior to the change, MIT required candidates applying for faculty positions to submit a statement that demonstrated their knowledge of DEI challenges and outlined their track record of working with diverse groups. They were also expected to describe how they planned to advance DEI in their position at the school.
Advocates for free speech and academic freedom have welcomed MIT's decision, with many arguing that diversity statement requirements have become a form of ideological litmus test that discriminates against faculty who hold dissenting views on DEI.
A 2023 survey conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) found that "large portions of MIT faculty and students are afraid to express their views in various academic settings." The survey also revealed that a majority of faculty and students believe that the university's commitment to DEI has come at the expense of free speech.
The elimination of mandatory DEI statements at MIT is a significant departure from the trend of increasing adoption of such statements in higher education institutions over the past decade. However, it remains to be seen whether other elite universities will follow MIT's lead and scrap their own DEI requirements.
The debate over DEI statements is likely to continue, with proponents arguing that they are essential for promoting diversity and inclusion, while opponents maintain that they are counterproductive and undermine academic freedom.
