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The University of Michigan is reviewing potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for being one of the most prominent in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the effectiveness and influence of the program on campus, prompting the school to consider a different approach.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, is considering making changes to its program. This comes as colleges nationwide prepare for Donald J. Trump’s second presidency and potential Republican efforts to undermine diversity initiatives in government and academia.
The university’s governing board members expressed their intention to impose restrictions on diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. They are considering reallocating more of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid for students from low-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first selective public universities to reconsider diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) internally, rather than due to external legislative pressure. The board overseeing the university is mostly made up of Democrats, who are elected by state voters and usually make decisions through agreement. According to Michigan’s state constitution, the regents have the final say in the university’s finances and have general supervision over the school.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, there has been strong opposition on the Michigan campus in response to initial talks between the regents and university officials. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are actively defending their work and advocating for the continued support of their funding.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion came together at the Ann Arbor campus on Monday for a rally.
One speaker, Pragya Choudhary, a junior, expressed that she believes no one in the audience thinks the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she is confident that everyone present recognizes that without these initiatives, the university would be in a worse state.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the goals of the regents. Some faculty and students are concerned that the regents may completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure is not currently being considered. There are also criticisms against the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for lower-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually plan to enhance and broaden this program.
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