Yes, I believe they are in opposition. I think that if they weren't in opposition, a purely colour-blind, merit-based hiring.... You're going to get some diversity through a colour-blind, merit-based program. The fact that you have to rig it means you are going to compromise on excellence and scientific truth in order to achieve cultural socialism or EDI.
I think they are in tension fundamentally. It doesn't mean you're going to get no.... It's probably just going to result in attacks on your scientific research and pursuit of truth. It's not going to kill it.
I think that the values of the general public that supports research are what should prevail, not the values of academics, I'm afraid—or at least the vocal academics who wind up participating in these committees.