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The University of Michigan is looking into making changes to its diversity program, which is known for being one of the most supportive in higher education. Critics are questioning the program’s effectiveness and influence on campus culture, prompting the school to consider a new 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 the second term of President Donald J. Trump and potential challenges to diversity initiatives from the Republican government and academia.
Members of the board in charge of the university mentioned that they anticipate the board will try to impose 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 public universities to review diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) policies without being forced to do so by legislation. The board of regents, who are elected by state voters and usually make decisions together, is predominantly made up of Democrats with a 6-2 majority. According to Michigan’s state constitution, the regents have the final say on the university’s finances and are responsible for overseeing the school in general.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, conversations between the regents and other university officials have faced strong opposition on Michigan’s campus recently. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are working to address criticism of their efforts and protect their funding.
A rally took place on the Ann Arbor campus on Monday, where hundreds of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion came together.
One of the speakers, a junior named Pragya Choudhary, stated that she believes no one in the audience thinks the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she also expressed that everyone present understands that the university would be in a worse state without these initiatives.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity among students and faculty on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the goals of the regents. Some individuals have expressed concerns that the regents may completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this extreme measure is not currently being considered. There have also been criticisms of 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 their goal is actually to expand the program.
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