UC Berkeley Professor Apologizes for False Native American Identity

Elizabeth Hoover, a University of California Berkeley associate professor, apologized for falsely claiming to be Native American her "whole life." Hoover, who was hired in 2020 to research Native American food systems, admitted to finding no records of tribal citizenship for any of her family members after doing genealogical research. Many on campus are calling for her resignation and removal from all positions and opportunities obtained with her false identity. UC Berkeley spokesperson Janet Gilmore said the university is unable to address personnel matters that violate privacy rights.