A statement from Vice Chancellor Renetta Garrison Tull about UC Davis’ requiring faculty applicants to submit statements of contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion:

UC Davis is proud of its Principles of Community. One line in these principles specifically notes the following:

“We confront and reject all manifestations of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender and gender expression, age, visible and nonvisible disability, nationality, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, religious/nonreligious, spiritual or political beliefs, socio-economic class, status within or outside the university, or any of the other differences among people which have been excuses for misunderstanding, dissension or hatred.” 

As an institution, UC Davis aspires to have an environment that is inclusive, and requiring statements of contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion from our faculty applicants lets them know that we expect them to uphold these principles. Doing so creates an environment and climate that lets all involved know that regardless of background, they are welcome and encouraged to learn, discover, engage and contribute.

Diversity statements ultimately serve everyone because they set a tone for a climate that honors a core tenet of our university. For us, a commitment to diversity is one of the factors that we consider in the evaluation of excellence in faculty teaching, research and service.