Bates College: College Modifies Mandatory DEI Statement in Job Applications

In July 2024, FIRE learned of job postings at Bates College requiring faculty applicants to submit statements reflecting contributions to “equity and inclusion.” FIRE wrote Bates College on July 22 explaining that such a requirement threatens to chill applicants by potentially disfavoring those who have dissenting views on what constitutes “equity” or “inclusion.” Bates did not respond to the letter, but subsequent job postings make the statements optional.