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University of Michigan is contemplating modifications to its diversity program, which is known for being one of the largest advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the effectiveness and influence of the program on campus, prompting the school to explore new strategies.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, is considering making adjustments to its program amidst potential challenges from the upcoming second term of President Donald J. Trump and anticipated opposition to these initiatives from the Republican party in both government and academia.
Members of the board of regents at 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, they may consider reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (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 address diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) internally, rather than in response to legislation. The board of regents, which is elected by state voters and dominated by Democrats, has the power to make decisions about the university’s finances and overall management. Michigan’s state constitution gives the regents the ultimate authority over the school.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, there has been strong opposition from Michigan’s campus community in response to initial talks between the regents and other university officials. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are actively defending their work and seeking to maintain their funding amidst criticism.
A large group of people who support diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered at the Ann Arbor campus on Monday for a rally.
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 emphasized that everyone present acknowledges that these initiatives are necessary to make the university a better place.
There is a 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. efforts, although this extreme measure does not seem to be on the table. There are also criticisms against the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the Go Blue Guarantee, a program that covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually aim to expand the program.
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