A University of Washington (UW) professor has openly criticized the institution’s mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements for new faculty positions, warning that these requirements could inadvertently deter exceptionally qualified individuals from applying. Stuart Reges, a non-tenured teaching professor at UW’s esteemed Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, stated unequivocally that he believes he would not have been hired under the current DEI mandates, despite his significant academic accomplishments.
This contentious issue came to light following a job advertisement for an associate professor of school psychology. This particular posting demanded that applicants submit a concise, one-page diversity statement detailing their identity, positionality, relevant experiences, and unwavering commitment to DEI principles, all in line with the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework.
Professor Raises Concerns Over DEI Requirements
Speaking to Fox News, Professor Reges expressed his deep concern, highlighting the demanding nature of these statements: "You have to demonstrate a profound understanding of DEI principles to achieve a high rating. The ironic part is, I’m convinced I wouldn’t secure a position if I applied today. There’s simply no chance, even with a Distinguished Teaching Award from this very university."
The job listing further included a specific rubric designed to evaluate prospective professors’ DEI contributions. According to this rubric, candidates who displayed "little evidence of potential to contribute to the UW Diversity Blueprint" would receive a "Poor" rating.
Reges further elaborated on the broader implications, as quoted by Fox News: "I’ve witnessed highly talented faculty depart because of this kind of pressure, and many others won’t even consider applying. I suspect numerous graduate students who once aspired to a teaching career are now questioning the path." He underscored that applicants are compelled to craft statements tailored to satisfy university DEI expectations, rather than genuinely showcasing their teaching philosophy or research focus.
University Responds to Mounting Criticism
In response to the growing criticism, a University of Washington spokesperson conveyed to Fox News that "the university does not perceive diversity and access as being at odds with merit and excellence. Our dedication remains steadfast to ensuring access to excellence for everyone. Our hiring protocols strictly adhere to state and federal laws, guaranteeing that race is never a factor in employment decisions, and UW has consistently acted proactively whenever a violation is identified."
The spokesperson further clarified: "While individual schools, colleges, and departments within the university enjoy considerable autonomy in their hiring processes, all must comply with state and federal regulations. The College of Education search, recently highlighted in a local commentator’s blog, was deemed compliant with these laws. However, to eliminate any potential ambiguity or misinterpretation, we have decided to cancel the posting and will issue additional guidance on hiring practices before readvertising."
Federal Scrutiny and Future Outlook
The implementation of mandatory DEI statements at UW occurs amidst intensified federal examination of diversity-focused hiring practices nationwide. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has initiated investigations into several universities, including the University of Washington, concerning alleged race-exclusionary practices within various educational programs and activities.
As reported by Fox News, a university spokesperson confirmed that UW is conducting a comprehensive review of its hiring practices to ensure full compliance with both state and federal laws, all while upholding its commitment to academic excellence for all applicants. The spokesperson reiterated the university’s expectation that all departments adhere to these guidelines and emphasized a commitment to transparency throughout the hiring process. These DEI requirements, encompassing both the diversity statement and the evaluation rubric, are integral to the University of Washington’s broader strategy to advance policies that champion racial equity and social justice across all its colleges and programs.