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The University of Michigan is currently evaluating potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a strong supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness and its influence on campus life, prompting the school to consider adopting a new strategy.
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 responsible for governing the university mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, the board might consider reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s D.E.I. budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition assistance for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first selective public universities to review diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) on its own terms, rather than in response to legislative pressure. The board, which is elected by state voters and primarily operates by reaching a general agreement, is currently dominated by Democrats with a 6-2 majority. The state constitution grants the regents authority over the university’s finances and overall supervision of the institution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for Dec. 5. However, recent conversations between the regents and other university officials have faced strong opposition on the campus of Michigan. Administrators in charge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched efforts to defend their work and maintain their funding amidst criticism.
A rally took place on the Ann Arbor campus on Monday, where hundreds of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) came together.
One of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, expressed that the audience likely does not believe the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone present understands that without those initiatives, the university would be in a worse state.
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. Some faculty and students are concerned that the regents may completely withdraw 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 that the regents are planning to eliminate the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which covers tuition for lower-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have actually expressed a desire to expand this program.
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