> Consider that a diversity statement is a way to evaluate if the applicant has even given a moment's thought to the fact that Gould raised, by seeking to cultivate talent among folks otherwise shut out of the top tier of academia.
But that isn't the job of a professor, they are there to cultivate the talent of people who are already privileged enough to be a part of academia.
For better or for worse, universities assign a lot of their duties to the faculty. So professors really are involved in outreach to prospective students.
But Gould’s point, however true, is about a situation that exists far back in the pipeline, and most faculty have absolutely no ability to airlift people out of cotton fields so they can do research.
But that isn't the job of a professor, they are there to cultivate the talent of people who are already privileged enough to be a part of academia.