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The University of Michigan is exploring potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. This comes as critics raise concerns about the effectiveness and influence of the program on campus.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education, is considering making changes to its own program. This comes as colleges nationwide prepare for the start of Donald J. Trump’s second presidency and potential challenges to these initiatives from the Republican party in government and academia.
The university’s board of regents mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, there is a possibility that the board will consider reallocating some of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition assistance for students from lower-income backgrounds.
The proposed changes in Michigan would set the university apart as one of the first selective public universities to reassess Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) on its own terms, rather than in response to external pressures. The board of regents, primarily composed of Democrats with a 6-2 majority, is elected by state voters and typically makes decisions through consensus. The Michigan state constitution grants regents extensive authority over the university’s finances and overall supervision of the institution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, recent conversations between the regents and other university officials have faced strong opposition on the campus of Michigan. Administrators focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to respond to criticism of their efforts and protect their funding.
A large group of supporters of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) came together 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she is confident that everyone agrees that without those initiatives, the university would be a less positive environment.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity on campus about the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions of the regents. Certain faculty and students are concerned that the regents may completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although there is no indication that this is being considered. Some have criticized 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 want to expand this program.
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