West
University of Utah president discontinues diversity statements, says they will no longer be used in hiring
The University of Utah will no longer use diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements in hiring, a spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The University of Utah President Taylor Randall sent a letter to the Presidents Leadership Council (deans, department chairs, and other administrators) last Friday, a university spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Monday.
The letter states that the measure stems from “statements” and “directives” from elected leaders and the Utah Board of Higher Education, to eliminate diversity questions or statements used in hiring at Utah’s higher education institutions.
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The University of Utah will no longer use diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statements in hiring, a spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital. (Photo by Boyd Ivey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Per the letter, the directive entails that “all hiring units at the university should discontinue the use of any type of diversity statements or similar practices as part of their unit-level applicant or employee hiring processes.”
“As the University of Utah strives for excellence in education, research, patient care, and service to community, we remain steadfast in our belief and actions that we must have a dedicated team of individuals from every walk of life to help us achieve that goal,” the letter states.
It continued, “As we do so, we affirm our commitment to non-discriminatory hiring practices and the wellbeing of our patients and campus community.”
The move comes as DEI is under fire on college campuses in Utah and across the country.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, R., blasted Utah’s colleges and universities last month for employing DEI statements in hiring practices, claiming that they foster divisiveness rather than inclusivity.
According to local KUER public radio, Cox addressed DEI first during a virtual town hall meeting in December where he said that university diversity programs were doing “more to divide us than to bring us together.”
Later that month, Cox addressed the issue again at a news conference and vowed to sign legislation to overthrow such practices, adding that it’s “bordering on evil.”
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Currently, nearly 35,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the University of Utah. (Google Maps)
“I can assure you after this legislative session, it will not be happening here in the state of Utah,” according to KUER. “These diversity statements that you have to sign to get hired, I think that is awful. I think it’s bordering on evil, where we’re forcing people into a political framework before they can even apply for a job from the state.”
The Utah Board of Higher Education reportedly said that they are moving away from DEI statements as part of their hiring processes in response to Cox.
“Some of Utah’s colleges and universities had incorporated various forms of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements or questions into their hiring procedures in the past. However, these institutions have been phasing out this practice for some time,” the Board said.
On the other side of the country, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning DEI initiatives in public colleges.
The bill is DeSantis’ decision to eliminate what he calls “woke” influences on education.
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SAN FRANCISCO – Even as votes continue to be counted in California’s gubernatorial primary, one candidate spent part of Wednesday campaigning in the Bay Area.
Hilton looks ahead to November
Some were surprised to see Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton in San Francisco. With the primary election behind him, Hilton visited Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge to meet with voters and begin laying the groundwork for a potential fall campaign.
Hilton acknowledged that ballots are still being counted and criticized the pace of the process, saying results should be available more quickly. Still, he expressed confidence that he will finish among the top two candidates and advance to the November election.
“This is my plan to grow my support,” Hilton said, gesturing to supporters gathered inside the restaurant. “To be out with the people of California desperate for change.”
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, another leading candidate, also projected confidence on election night.
“I take nothing for granted. There are lots of ballots to be counted; it appears we are on track to advance to November,” Becerra said.
Voters voice concerns
What they’re saying:
Among those attending Hilton’s event was Nelson Lum, a former San Francisco police officer who said he wanted to hear the candidate’s views on crime.
“It’s not an endorsement of anybody at this point,” Lum said. “I’m certainly not going to exclude anyone because I want to hear their views.”
Meina Young, with the Business and Housing Network, said she attended to discuss issues she sees as burdensome regulations in the rental housing market.
“I want to make our voices heard, and I feel that Steve has been very good,” Young said. “This is our second time meeting with him.”
Small protest outside event
Outside the restaurant, a small group of protesters gathered after noticing signage for the event. They said they are concerned San Francisco is becoming more welcoming to Republican candidates.
“We’re here today because we know San Francisco is a Democratic, progressive city,” said Romalyn Schmaltz. “We’re not going to just let a Republican come here and fundraise in our neighborhood without saying something.”
Counting continues
What’s next:
Ballots are still being counted statewide. More than 23 million ballots were mailed to California’s registered voters for the primary election.
The extended counting process often fuels accusations of irregularities. Election officials and supporters of the system, however, say the process takes time to ensure every eligible ballot is counted accurately.
On this day 52 years ago, the Pacific Northwest’s upper-left city of Seattle was granted an NFL Franchise. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle announced the news that they would join the league as an expansion franchise in 1976 and would be the league’s 28th, alongside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The name “Seahawks” was chosen from a survey with over 20,365 entries. This tweet from @HawkMania shows an article from the now-online and former print local newspaper, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. They were known for the big globe with an eagle on top that resided on top of their building in downtown Seattle, and as it says on their front page here, a staple in the community since 1863.
The article mentions Seattle drafting Archie Griffin as a possibility, who was the two-time Heisman Trophy winner for Ohio State and the massive hotshot prospect back then. It mentions the Nordstrom family, represented by Lloyd Nordstrom, as the majority owners, and Herman Sarkowsky as the chief operating officer. Sarkowsky says he thinks the team will pick high in 1976 before they play their inaugural season, and they did, taking defensive tackle Steve Niehaus 2nd overall (Griffin ended up going 24th to the Cincinnati Bengals). Ironically, the article mentions the Portland TrailBlazers as well and their ability to draft Bill Walton early on, the NBA franchise which the Seahawks’ most prominent owner Paul Allen also owned.
It’s great to look back on the history of the franchise, and the sport overall. In 2026, it’s one of the few institutions that preserves memories well enough to stay in touch with its roots. Seattle and the Seahawks have grown up together as an American sports city and franchise, and 52 years ago today was one of their most important turning points.
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