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The University of Michigan is reevaluating its diversity program, which has been a significant supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are questioning the effectiveness of the program and its influence on campus life, prompting the school to consider a new approach.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives in higher education, is considering making changes to its program. This comes as colleges nationwide prepare for Donald J. Trump’s second presidency and potential Republican opposition to these initiatives in both government and academia.
Members of the university’s board of regents expressed their intention to propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the hiring and promotion processes. Additionally, there is a possibility that the board will consider reallocating a portion of the budget designated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) towards initiatives focused on recruiting students and providing tuition assistance to those from lower-income backgrounds in Michigan.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first selective public universities to reassess its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives without being influenced by legislative pressure. The board, which is elected by state voters and primarily operates through consensus, is predominantly made up of Democrats with a 6-2 majority. The state constitution grants regents the authority to have ultimate control over the university’s finances and to oversee the school in general.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, conversations between the regents and university officials have stirred up strong opposition on the Michigan campus lately. Administrators responsible for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and protect their funding from criticism.
Hundreds of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered on the campus in Ann Arbor 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 D.E.I. initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone present understands that without these initiatives, the university would be a more negative environment.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of understanding on campus about 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 drastic measure does not seem to be on the table. There are also accusations against the regents for supposedly planning to eliminate the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually want to expand the program.
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