Many applications for the University of California school system’s faculty jobs include submitting a statement of allegiance to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to be considered, despite the fact that race-based employment and admissions policies at public universities have been outlawed in the state since 1996.

UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine, and UC Berkeley’s point system for evaluating potential employees prefer applicants with “clear knowledge of … dimensions of diversity that result from different identities,” a “consistent track record” in advancing DEI, and experiences in aiding “underrepresented individuals.”

Despite state laws against affirmative action at public universities and other state institutions, diversity statement requirements can serve as a way to manipulate the racial makeup of a hiring pool, without directly discriminating based on race.

UC’s own research shows this.