MIT has decided to no longer require faculty candidates to submit diversity statements during the application process. This change comes after the university president, Sally Kornbluth, expressed that such statements were compelled speech and did not contribute to achieving excellence at the university. The decision to eliminate diversity statements also aligns with the university’s goal to build an inclusive environment in different ways. This change was made in response to the ongoing debates about affirmative action and racial preferences in college admissions, particularly following a Supreme Court ruling last year. Additionally, MIT has faced criticism for its handling of anti-Jewish sentiments, which have been a topic of scrutiny in light of recent events.
