UK Cambridge University Faces Backlash discriminating against white job seekers

[Social Media]

 

The University of Cambridge is facing allegations of discriminatory hiring practices against white applicants following the resurfacing of internal guidance that promotes increased representation of underrepresented groups in recruitment. Critics argue that the framework, while intended to foster inclusion, may cross a line into unfair treatment of candidates based on race or gender.

 

The controversy centers on the university’s “diverse recruitment framework,” a document that advises departments to “try to ensure” at least one candidate from an underrepresented group is invited to interview for each job vacancy. If the candidate longlist is deemed insufficiently diverse—such as being composed entirely of white or male applicants—departments are encouraged to consider re-advertising the position.

 

The framework further states that interview panels should be “diverse both in gender and race” and made up of individuals who have completed training in equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and unconscious bias. This advice, in place since 2019, is echoed word for word in hiring instructions provided to academic staff.

 

Critics have voiced concerns that the guidance may amount to discrimination against white or male applicants. Edward Skidelsky, a philosophy lecturer at the University of Exeter and director of the Committee for Academic Freedom, stated, “This is one of the worst cases we have come across of EDI interference in what should be a purely academic process. Favouritism towards women and non-whites demeans them, and encourages the very prejudices it is intended to overcome.”

 

Documents obtained by The Telegraph suggest that the policy discourages panels composed entirely of “white males” or individuals with a “particular career track record.” It also instructs recruiters to reflect on their own biases and the university’s EDI commitments before and after interviews.

 

A source familiar with the university’s EDI committee expressed serious concerns, stating, “I joined the committee, wanting to see what was actually going on and maybe prevent things from going off the rails. When I got there, I discovered it was already off the rails.” The same source added, “If you criticise it, you’re just seen as a bad person,” and claimed to have witnessed cases where white men were discouraged from applying due to their race or gender.

 

The University of Cambridge has strongly denied these allegations. A spokesperson said, “Every candidate is recruited based on merit. We have no quotas for staff recruitment and strongly refute claims of discriminating against white and male job applicants. Our ‘diverse recruitment framework’ is a guidance document aimed at ensuring that all suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for roles at Cambridge – not to dictate the outcome of recruitment. Use of this guidance, including training recommendations, is not mandated in our recruitment policy.”

 

Despite this defense, concerns persist within the academic community. Professor David Abulafia, professor emeritus of Mediterranean history at Cambridge, called the guidance “arrant nonsense” and warned, “The sheer fanaticism of the bureaucracy at Cambridge and the craven submission of academics to their arrant nonsense spells the end of a once great university.” Professor John Marenbon, a philosopher and fellow of Trinity College, added, “Academic appointments should be made solely on the basis of academic merit. Academics who do otherwise betray their calling.”

 

Cambridge’s EDI action plan sets goals to increase applications from ethnic minority candidates, aiming for at least 8 percent in academic and research roles, and 30 percent for professional services posts. Although recruitment is managed at the departmental level, it remains governed by a university-wide policy framework.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph  2025-06-16

 

 

[Pouatchee]

39 minutes ago, Social Media said:

If the candidate longlist is deemed insufficiently diverse—such as being composed entirely of white or male applicants—departments are encouraged to consider re-advertising the position.

 

geeez, if visible minorities -- whatever they are -- were interested  in the first place, they would have applied. What is this BS from a supposed higher institution of learning. Kills my confidence in them

[WDSmart]

This is DEI at its finest, and I heartedly approve! 

[Purdey]

I doubt the university turned down highly qualified professors. As a private institution they can hire anyone they like 

[lungbing]

Pity Cambridge didn't turn down Philby, Burgess and Maclean.