Prom
Backed by
University of Michigan is currently examining potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a strong advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) in higher education. This comes as some critics are raising concerns about the effectiveness of the program and its influence on campus life.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion program in response to the upcoming second presidency of Donald J. Trump and potential Republican opposition to these initiatives in both government and academia. Michigan has long been a strong advocate for diversity in higher education.
Officials in charge of the university mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements when making hiring and promotion choices. The board might also consider reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition assistance for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is exploring changes that would make it one of the first public universities to reconsider diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) without being forced to do so by laws. The board, dominated by Democrats with a 6-2 majority, is chosen by state voters and typically makes decisions through agreement. The state constitution gives the regents the highest authority over the university’s financial matters and overall supervision of the institution.
The board of regents is scheduled to convene on December 5th. However, talks between the regents and university officials have stirred up strong opposition on Michigan’s campus lately. Administrators responsible for diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and maintain their funding in response to criticism.
A rally was held on the Ann Arbor campus on Monday, where hundreds of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) came together.
One speaker, a junior named 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 the university would be in a worse state without these initiatives.
The discussions have highlighted a larger sense of uncertainty on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions of the regents. Certain 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 considering cutting the Go Blue Guarantee, a program that covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually plan to expand this program.
We are currently experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
Kindly activate JavaScript in your browser’s settings.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please close it and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times content.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm access.
Have you already signed up to access the content? If so
Interested in accessing all content from The Times? Subscribe today to gain
Prom
Index of the website
Navigation for site information