[PART 3] SCHALIN: UNC System Adopting Political Litmus Tests for Employment and Attendance

RALEIGH – Scholar Jay Schalin has penned a stirring series on the radical ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ movement across the UNC System for the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. We felt obligated to share these important analyses of Woke Cultural Revolution in our state’s lauded institutions of higher learning — parts one and two can be read here and here,– and part three lays down the gauntlet on about what Schalin believes to be the adoption of political litmus tests for faculty and students in the UNC System.

It’s quite a charge, but we think you’ll find it is backed up quite forcefully. Schalin:

“As was shown in the first article in this series, “diversity, equity, and inclusion” is a misleading term, indicating a radical political agenda rather than a set of ethical principles.

The second article analyzed a couple of specific examples of how DEI is being used to create political litmus tests for hiring and promotion at the University of North Carolina’s flagship campus at Chapel Hill.

But Chapel Hill is not the only school in the UNC system that is pushing the DEI agenda. In this article, the third in the series, the Martin Center takes a cursory look at DEI initiatives at other campuses in the system. It is not a comprehensive study, but enough activity was found with ease to suggest that there is a serious problem throughout the system.

Much of the current DEI activity involves forcing faculty job applicants to include a “Diversity Statement” with their curriculum vitae. This was required for applicants to the following positions:

Winston-Salem State University

• • Adult health assistant professor, tenure-track

Under the heading “Department Skills Required,” it lists “a commitment to equity and inclusion.”

UNC-Wilmington

• • Assistant professor of biological oceanography

Under the heading “Required Documents” is listed a “Diversity Statement.” It is defined as “a statement that addresses how their cultural, experiential, and/or academic background contributes to the building of an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.”

A troubling statement also on the job advertisement says: “We believe the importance of modern biological principles must transcend the university classroom and enable our students to contribute as global citizens.”

• • Assistant professor of computer science

A “Diversity Statement” is mentioned under the heading “Required Documents” that addresses “how issues of diversity shape their working practices, past and planned.”

The job advertisement also states that the department is seeking “candidates with experience or a demonstrated willingness to participate in teaching, mentoring, research, or service activities that promote the growth of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive academic environment.”

• • Assistant visiting professor of higher education

Although the job advertisement does not require a diversity statement, it does state an official political perspective:

The Watson College of Education…has at its center the inherent value of equity inclusion, and social justice…We must dismantle racist and colonizing structures and practices in our college, at our university, and in our world. Therefore, we seek colleagues who will contribute to our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Appalachian State University

• • Assistant (or higher) professor in computer science

A diversity statement is required. The job posting states that “a successful candidate will demonstrate a sincere commitment to promoting advocacy, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and social justice, as evidenced by prior efforts,” indicating that there is indeed a political litmus test. […]

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