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The University of Michigan is reevaluating its diversity program, which has been a major advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the effectiveness of the program and its influence on campus life, prompting the school to explore potential changes.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, a strong supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, is considering adjustments to its program 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 the university mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, the board may consider reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid for students from low-income backgrounds.
The proposed changes would position Michigan as one of the early selective public universities to review and update diversity, equity, and inclusion practices without external pressure from lawmakers. The board, primarily made up of Democrats with a 6-2 majority, is elected by state voters and typically makes decisions through agreement. 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 upcoming meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, recent conversations between the regents and university officials have been met with strong opposition on Michigan’s campus. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are actively defending their work and advocating for continued funding in response to criticism.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) came together at the Ann Arbor campus on Monday for a rally.
During a speech at the university, junior Pragya Choudhary acknowledged that the D.E.I. initiatives may not be perfect, but believes that they are necessary to make 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 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 potentially cutting the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for lower-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually plan to expand this program.
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