Examples
Worked examples
- Is an instance
A two-page diversity statement listing the candidate's mentoring of underrepresented students and planned curricular changes
Counter-examples
Looks similar, but isn't
- Not an instance
A statement listing only demographic identity is not a diversity statement in the contribution-focused sense
Editorial commentary
A diversity statement is a document, typically one to two pages, in which a researcher articulates their contributions to, and plans for promoting, diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and teaching. It has become an increasingly common, and in some cases required, component of US faculty job applications, and appears in some research-funding contexts as well.
How this differs from a personal statement
A diversity statement has a specific, narrow subject — DEI contributions and plans — whereas a personal statement is a broader narrative covering a researcher’s overall qualifications, career trajectory, and relevant context for a CV, biosketch, or grant application. A diversity statement can be one component requested alongside a personal statement and a research statement in a faculty search, not a substitute for either. Diversity statements are conventionally evaluated on substantive past actions and concrete future plans, not on the applicant’s personal demographic disclosure — the document’s subject is the applicant’s contributions and plans, not their own identity.
Example
A two-page statement submitted as part of a faculty application, describing a candidate’s past mentoring of students from underrepresented backgrounds and their concrete plans for inclusive teaching practice in the role being applied for.
Also known as
DEI statement · Equity statement
Machine-readable encodings
Use in your systems
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