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The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity program, which has been a major advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are questioning the program’s effectiveness and how it has impacted campus life, leading the school to reconsider its approach.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its commitment to 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 challenges to these initiatives from Republicans in government and academia.
Officials in charge of governing the university expressed their anticipation for the board to propose restrictions on diversity statements used in hiring and promotions. Additionally, they are considering reallocating a portion of Michigan’s D.E.I. budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would establish it as one of the first public universities to proactively reassess its diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives without being prompted by legislation. The board overseeing the university is mostly made up of Democrats, who are elected by state voters and typically make decisions through agreement. Regents in Michigan have the final say on the university’s finances and have a broad supervision role over the school, as outlined in the state’s constitution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, recent conversations between the regents and university officials have faced strong opposition on the Michigan campus. Administrators focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion have launched a campaign to respond to criticism of their efforts and protect their funding.
A large group of supporters of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) came together on the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, a junior named 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 a poorer environment.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions 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 does not seem to be on the table. There are also accusations against the regents for planning to eliminate the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually want to grow the program.
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