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The University of Michigan is thinking about making changes to its diversity program, which is known for being one of the biggest proponents of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are questioning the effectiveness of the program and its influence on campus life, prompting the school to explore new approaches.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion program in light of the upcoming second term of President Donald J. Trump and potential opposition to these initiatives from Republican leaders in government and academia. Michigan has been a strong supporter of diversity in higher education.
Members of the board of regents for the university mentioned in discussions that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in hiring and promotions. Additionally, there may be a plan to allocate a larger portion of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition assistance for students from low-income backgrounds.
The proposed changes in Michigan aim to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) without being influenced by external legislative pressure. The board of directors, who are elected by state voters, is primarily made up of Democrats with a 6-2 majority and usually makes decisions through agreement. The state constitution grants the regents of Michigan the authority to have final say over the university’s finances and to provide general supervision of the institution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, recent conversations between the regents and other university staff have led to strong opposition on Michigan’s campus. Administrators focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to respond to criticism of their efforts and protect their funding.
A rally took place on Monday at the Ann Arbor campus, where hundreds of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) came together.
One of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, expressed that she believes no one in the audience thinks the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone present understands that without these initiatives, the university would be in a worse state.
Discussions on campus have highlighted a widespread lack of understanding about the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions of the regents. Some faculty and students have expressed concerns that the regents may completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure does not seem to be on the table. There have also been criticisms of the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually aim to increase the program.
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