Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences will no longer call for diversity declarations in the hiring procedure.
In a recent email on Monday, The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University announced a change in their hiring practices with regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Instead of requiring job applicants to outline their contributions to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, they will now be asked to present their plans for strengthening the academic community.
Furthermore, applicants are expected to outline how they will foster an environment that encourages students to voice their opinions and ask questions. The update aligns with the university's long-standing criteria for faculty hiring, which includes excellence in research, teaching/advising, and service.
According to Jonathan Palumbo, a communications director at the university, the shift in approach seeks to appreciate the various ways faculty contribute towards enhancing their academic communities. This revised method was made taking into consideration the suggestions from faculty members who believed earlier diversity statements were too restrictive.
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences, being Harvard's largest division, houses the university's undergraduate and doctorate programs. With over 40 academic departments, it accommodates more than 10,000 students.
Nationwide, other top-tier institutions are also grappling with issues of student safety and inclusion as protests amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict divide colleges prior to the 2024 US presidential election. The stakes are high for these university leaders.
Recently, former Harvard President Claudine Gay stepped down due to plagiarism allegations and controversial statements about antisemitism at US universities. Her instances of inadequate citation were deemed "regrettable" but not punishable as research misconduct.
Earlier this year, Virginia Commonwealth University and George Mason University faced criticism for their decisions to withdraw diversity courses for incoming students. The courses had been introduced to help students gain a better understanding of America's historical racial issues.
In response to queries regarding the cancellation of a diversity-themed "Just Societies" course demand for incoming students at George Mason University, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Kenneth D. Walsh said in an address, "This issue generates strong emotions on all sides."
"Interestingly, finding a civil and respectful path forward on this type of issue is exactly what these 'Just Societies' courses aim to guide students in achieving."
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The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University will now ask job applicants to present their plans for strengthening the academic community, which includes fostering an environment that encourages students to voice their opinions and ask questions. This revised method was made taking into consideration the suggestions from faculty members who believed earlier diversity statements were too restrictive for many applicants, both within the US and beyond.
