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The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Some are questioning the effectiveness of the program and its impact on campus life.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education, is considering adjustments to its own program. This comes as colleges nationwide prepare for Donald J. Trump’s second presidency and potential challenges to these initiatives from Republicans in government and academia.
Administrators in charge of the university mentioned that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements used in hiring and promotions. Additionally, the board may consider reallocating some of Michigan’s D.E.I. budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition assistance for students from low-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first selective public universities to reassess Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) internally, rather than in response to legislative pressure. The board, which is elected by state voters, has a majority of Democrats (6-2) and typically makes decisions through consensus. The state constitution gives the regents authority over the university’s finances and general supervision of the school.
The board of regents is scheduled to convene on December 5. However, preliminary conversations between the regents and university administrators have faced strong opposition on Michigan’s campus lately. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) officials have initiated a campaign to address criticisms of their efforts and maintain their financial support.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered on the campus in Ann Arbor for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, mentioned 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 acknowledges that without these initiatives, the university would be a less welcoming place.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of understanding on campus about the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the goals of the regents. There are concerns among some faculty and students that the regents may completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, but it seems this drastic measure is not being considered. There have also been criticisms of the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which covers tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually want to increase the program.
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