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The University of Michigan is reviewing potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.). This review comes as critics raise concerns about the program’s effectiveness and influence on campus culture.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, is considering making changes 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 both government and academia.
Members of the university’s board of regents mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements when making decisions about hiring and promotions. Additionally, they are considering reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid support for students from low-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first public universities to reassess diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) without being prompted by legislation. The board, which is elected by state voters and mostly comprised of Democrats, has a 6-2 majority and typically makes decisions through agreement. The state constitution gives the regents authority over the university’s finances and overall supervision of the institution.
The upcoming meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5. However, talks between the regents and university officials have caused controversy on Michigan’s campus recently. Diversity, equity, and inclusion administrators are actively defending their work and advocating for their funding amidst criticism.
A large group of supporters of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone understands the importance of these initiatives in making the university a better place.
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 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 against the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for lower-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually aim to expand the program.
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