UC system faces criticism for cutting diversity programs while debating SAT reinstatement

Over the past year the University of California has trimmed or rebranded a number of identity-specific support initiatives, such as merging the Black Student Academy and Undocumented Scholars Academy at UC Santa Cruz and renaming the Asian & Pacific Islander Initiative at UC Davis to Lotus, while the Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success became El Centro. Similar cuts have hampered programs for Black students at UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara, where staffing shortages persist.

Concurrently, UC faculty are urging a reinstatement of the SAT/ACT, claiming it would raise mathematical literacy among incoming students, despite evidence that eliminating the tests in 2020 led to a 19% rise in applications without harming graduation rates. The push for testing is being fast-tracked by the UC Systemwide Academic Senate, leaving little time for public or student consultation. Opponents argue that reintroducing the exams would favor applicants with access to costly preparation, undermining the university’s public-service mission. They call for increased funding of outreach, A-G course access, and retention programs instead of tighter admissions barriers.