University of Washington professor blasts mandatory DEI statement for new hires, warns many qualified candidates could leave

A University of Washington professor has criticised the mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement required for new faculty hires, warning it may deter qualified candidates. Stuart Reges noted that even award-winning faculty could fail under the current DEI rules. The job posting included a rubric assessing DEI contributions. In response, the university cancelled the posting, provided guidance on hiring practices, and emphasised compliance with state and federal laws, amid US Department of Education investigations into race-based hiring practices.