Instead, it is my guess that “diversity” hires at universities are meant to do three things:
1) Make the faculty feel good about themselves — i.e., make them feel enlightened;
2) Avoid lawsuits and “pay off” vocal constituencies;
and
3) Help solidify the ideological monopoly at many universities.
The last point may not seem obvious, but when you consider that the way “diversity” hires tend to undertaken, they usually come in the form of some “[fill in the blank] critical studies” program or subfield. As you may know, anything that has “critical studies” in its title is likely to be steeped in left-wing ideology and the person you get is likely to be of that mind.
Now this may be less likely in the natural sciences and engineering, but I have heard about hires that seek to get the “minority perspective” on engineering, which just boggles my mind.
]]>If a pool is started, I would like to take Wednesday.
Steven L.
]]>