MIT quietly ends diversity statements in hiring as leaders try to manage protests on campus

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology will no longer require prospective faculty to write a document explaining how they would enhance the university's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

On Monday, the university said the diversity statement will no longer be part of a required application.

“We can build an inclusive environment in many ways, but compelled statements impinge on freedom of expression, and they don’t work,” MIT President Sally Kornbluth said in a statement Tuesday confirming the decision.

Several top-flight schools require such statements during the hiring process, with many, including MIT, Brandeis University, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania, even providing instructions to would-be staffers on how to write them.

In the case of MIT, the instructions provide an overview of the statements, which it said should meet the following criteria:

• demonstrates knowledge of challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• outlines your track record of working with diverse groups of people and advancing DEI.
• concretely discusses what you will do as a faculty member to actively encourage DEI and belonging within your group, department, and community.
• follows the instructions provided with the job posting (if applicable).

The decision comes as MIT remains embroiled in disagreement with students, who are demanding the university end research projects that directly or indirectly support the Israeli military's actions in Gaza. Counter-protesters and some students on campus have said the encampment makes them feel unsafe.

Since the start of the war and ensuing direct action by students on campus, MIT has faced pressure from students, staff, professors, politicians and others, accusing it of protecting both antisemitism and Islamophobia.