Faculty Perceptions of Diversity Statements in STEM Faculty Job Applications

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Fifteen
  In Roundtable Session: Equity Work in STEM (Table 2)

Abstract

With continued calls for increased hiring of racially/ethnically marginalized faculty, departments and institutions have been encouraged to reassess their hiring practices. To increase racial/ethnic diversity and increase the presence of faculty who value diversity, the request for diversity statements in faculty applications has become more popular. If diversity statements will become a standard component of faculty job applications, it is necessary to better understand how hiring committees are using them to evaluate candidates. This study explores the ways and extent to which diversity statements are utilized in evaluating STEM faculty candidates. It is derived from a larger two-phased sequential mixed methods study using national survey and interview data examining the factors faculty consider important when hiring new STEM faculty.

Authors

• Torrie Cropps, University of Texas at Dallas
  Presenting Author

• Samara Rose Boyle, Rice University
  Presenting Author

• Canek Moises Luna Phillips, Rice University
  Presenting Author

• Jue Wu, University of California - Berkeley
  Presenting Author

• Yvette E. Pearson, University of Texas - Dallas
  Presenting Author