University of California DEI Training Sparks Controversy

In Washington, recent revelations show that the University of California (UC) system has implemented diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training that suggests “equality isn’t really fair” and hints that questioning the Black Lives Matter movement might be considered “racist.”

This training module, acquired via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, contains interactive role-playing exercises that encourage students to engage with scenarios involving perceived “microaggressions” against specific identities. Its primary aim is to address “protecting identity politics from medical education, research, and clinical practice.”

A medical director expressed concern, labeling the course as an example of political indoctrination within the UC system. He criticized the time spent on progressive ideology instead of honing critical thinking and analytical skills, urging a return to foundational academic rigor over DEI or critical theory.

While it’s unclear how widespread this training is within the UC network, reports indicate that UCLA students were required to complete the DEI module before graduation this spring. Officials from the UC system have stated that the training vendor, Vector, no longer has a system-wide contract with their campuses.

A university spokesperson clarified that the UC system ended its contract with Vector in May 2024 for employee sexual harassment prevention training. The contract for student harassment training was extended to the end of May 2025 for a smooth transition to a new platform.

Furthermore, the UC system has stopped renewing its contract with Vector for diversity training, stating that such training is no longer utilized. Students, faculty, and staff must complete various training courses based on legal and regulatory requirements pertinent to their specific campuses.

One video segment from the training module addressed “power, privilege, and suppression,” prompting students to differentiate between “equality” and “equity.” The script included scenarios requiring trainees to discuss students’ doubts about the Black Lives Matter movement and offered response options such as educating skeptics or branding their comments as naive or racist.

The document also prescribes specific types of language to use, urging participants to avoid terms that may perpetuate stigma against individuals with disabilities and affirming that “trans and intersex individuals have the right to use facilities corresponding to their gender identity.”

The module advises that objections based on religious, political, or cultural grounds to someone’s gender identity should be met with a commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect.

At the conclusion, the training provides resources aimed at encouraging further education on related topics.

Among the organizations highlighted are groups advocating for racial justice, attempting to engage a broader audience in fighting for economic and racial equity. Some also target white voters for supporting candidates associated with extremism and racism.

The training draws scrutiny amid inquiries about potential violations of federal law concerning discrimination in faculty hiring practices. This follows a lawsuit against the UC system related to allegations of racially-based admissions despite a Supreme Court ruling against the practice earlier this year.

As of now, a representative from UCLA has yet to respond to inquiries regarding these developments.