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Comment by fsckboy | Hacker News Reader

I am familiar with diversity statements by institutions, but what would a diversity statement from an applicant consist of, what would be expected? for example, declared alignment with the institution? or statements about one's own "diversity"? just trying to get a grasp.

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Here's a scoring guide to "how good" a statement is, along with examples.

https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversit...

Probably relevant as an example of the thinking, but it's worth noting that this is for evaluating applications to faculty positions, and not applicants trying to enter a PhD program.

FYI, PhD students to most top places nowadays also have to fill their diversity statement.

to be honest, entering PhD students generally expect to be doing teaching and hope ultimately for a faculty post

I find this distressing. The “Track Record in Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” and “Plans for Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” seem like they’re trying to hire specifically for a DEI role. Is a math professor supposed to be hired based on their math research or based on the DEI workshops they’ve led?

What is expected is that the applicant will tell them what they want to hear.

Top marks: convince them that you’re a true believer.

Passing marks: convince them that, while you have yet to reach gnosis, you’re eager to learn from them, make a show of it, and encourage others to do the same.

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