DEI Rule

Professors defend DEI:

As the nonpartisan Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression explains, these pledges go far beyond simply pledging not to discriminate in the classroom and instead often serve as something of an ideological litmus test — clearly at odds with the concept of academic freedom that’s constitutionally mandated at public universities and often promised at private universities. (Disclaimer: I do some freelance consulting work with FIRE.) But the American Association of University Professors just came out in support of these mandates, bizarrely claiming they are somehow compatible with academic freedom. “[We reject] the notion that the use of DEI criteria for faculty evaluation is categorically incompatible with academic freedom,” its statement reads. “Using DEI statements in appointment, reappointment, tenure, and promotion processes can help foster diversity and its positive outcomes.” The group justifies this argument in part by arguing that current faculty would have a say in the imposition of DEI pledges and mandates, claiming that it’s somehow then not a violation of an individual professor’s academic freedom. FIRE pointed out the absurdity of this position, posting, “Translation: ‘Being forced to pledge allegiance to a political viewpoint isn’t a problem if a majority of faculty get to help impose the mandatory view.’” Whether they realize it or not, these academics are supporting the erosion of their own rights.

Not that they care...