The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has ended the use of diversity statements for faculty hiring, which observers says marks the first elite private university to end the practice that has been criticized as a political litmus test.

The school announced the change this past weekend.

“Requests for a statement on diversity will no longer be part of applications for any faculty positions at MIT”, reads a statement from the school.

The change was reportedly made by MIT President Sally Kornbluth “with the support of the Provost, Chancellor, and all six academic deans.”