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University of California drops diversity statements in hiring amid threats of Trump cutting funding
The University of California (UC) has become the latest high-profile school to drop diversity statements from its hiring practices.
On Wednesday, the university’s provost Katherine S. Newman sent out a letter to the system’s leaders informing them that diversity statements are no longer required for new applicants.
Newman wrote that while some programs and departments have required them, the university has never had a policy of diversity statements and believes it could harm applicant evaluation.
The University of California will no longer permit its programs or departments to use diversity statements in hiring. (iStock)
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“The requirement to submit a diversity statement may lead applicants to focus on an aspect of their candidacy that is outside their expertise or prior experience,” the letter obtained by Fox News Digital read.
She added that employees and applicants can still reference accomplishments related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on their own, but requiring stand-alone diversity statements is no longer permitted.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly said that the university will still continue to honor its commitment to “embrace and celebrate Californians from a variety of life experiences, backgrounds, and points of view.”
UC follows the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of Michigan in eliminating diversity statements as elite colleges start scaling back on DEI initiatives.
The Department of Education under Trump has warned schools across the country that federal funding could be cut if they do not remove DEI policies. (Getty Images)
The news came one month after a letter from the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights was sent out to departments of education across all 50 states warning them to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies or risk legal consequences, including a loss of federal funding.
The Trump administration already pulled $400 million in grants to Columbia University earlier this month, citing the school’s failure to address rising antisemitism on campus.
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Though the school was unclear whether these were factors in the decision to remove diversity statements, UC President Michael Drake also announced a system-wide hiring freeze and several cost-saving measures ahead of a significant state budget cut and any potential federal challenges in the future.
UC President Michael Drake announced preparations for potentially losing federal funding under the Trump administration. (iStock)
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Twenty-nine people were busted with fake IDs inside a sushi restaurant on California’s Central Coast on April 23, according to the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
Undercover agents with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control busted the underage drinkers at HaHa Sushi and Ramen on the 1000 block of Olive Street. Inside the restaurant, agents saw “a large group of youthful-appearing individuals” ordering and drinking alcohol, the San Luis Obispo Police Department said.
“In accordance with state law, agents contacted and identified the members of the group, discovering no one was 21 years old and every person was in possession of a fake identification card,” police said.
During the investigation, 29 people were cited and released for possession of a fake ID. Six of these suspects were arrested for being minors in possession of alcohol. All of the suspects were cited and released from custody at the restaurant.
“Preventing the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors helps increase public safety by reducing DUI arrests and collisions,” the San Luis Obispo Police Department said. “Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a collision than older drivers. About 25% of fatal crashes involve underage drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.”
Northern Colorado finally hit with spring snowstorm
A much-needed soggy storm brought a mix of rain and snow to the Fort Collins, Windsor and Loveland, Colo., area May 5, 2026.
A 5-year-old New Mexico girl survived more than 30 hours trapped in a truck that crashed and killed her parents on May 1 in southern Colorado, according to first responders.
The Upper Pine River Fire Protection called it “both a tragedy and a miracle” for the girl in a Facebook post.
The vehicle was not discovered until May 2, according to a Colorado State Patrol news release. Police believed the blue Chevrolet S-10 pickup went off the south shoulder of Highway 160 near milepost 104, just east of Bayfield, around 6 a.m. on May 1, rolled over an unknown number of times and came to rest on its roof.
CSP said three occupants were in the truck. Devante Griffin, 25, the driver, and Klariza Tarango, 24, both of Farmington, New Mexico, were pronounced dead at the scene. A 5-year-old girl, identified in media reports as their daughter. was taken to an area hospital for injuries and has been released to family.
What caused the crash?
Colorado State Patrol were still investigating the accident on May 5. A news release said “impairment and excessive speed are not being investigated as factors leading to this crash” at this time.
It also said no charges are expected to be filed in the case.
Why did nobody see the truck sooner?
CSP said in the release that the location was not visible from the road.
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.
Kilauea began a new episode of lava fountaining at its summit today, prompting an ashfall advisory for parts of Hawaii Island.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Episode 46 started at 8:17 a.m. inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The volcano remains at watch alert level and orange aviation color code, indicating heightened unrest with increased potential for eruption hazards.
The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory through 8 p.m. for areas downwind of the summit, including Volcano and Mountain View.
Light and variable winds shifting southeast are expected to carry volcanic gas and ash across the summit region and toward the north and northwest areas.
Tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, is most likely within about 3 miles of the vents, but lighter material can travel much farther.
Officials said impacts are expected to be limited, though ash particles can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are urged to limit exposure by staying indoors when possible, closing windows and doors and wearing masks and eye protection if going outside.
People with water catchment systems should cover and disconnect them to prevent contamination.
Anyone observing ashfall is encouraged to report conditions to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at hawaiiash.science/report_form.
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