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The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity program, which has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are questioning the effectiveness of the program and its influence on campus culture.
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 adjustments to its own program. This comes as colleges nationwide prepare for Donald J. Trump’s second presidency and potential challenges to these initiatives from Republicans in government and academia.
Members of the board responsible for the university expressed their intention to impose restrictions on diversity statements in hiring and promotions. They are also considering reallocating a portion of the university’s D.E.I. budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition assistance for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Considering these changes would position Michigan as one of the initial selective public universities to review Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) internally, rather than due to external legislative pressure. The board of regents, elected by state voters, is predominantly made up of Democrats with a 6-2 majority and typically makes decisions through consensus. The state constitution grants the regents significant authority over the university’s finances and general 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 in charge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched an effort to defend their work and secure their funding against criticism.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) came together on the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
During the event, a junior named Pragya Choudhary expressed that the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are not flawless according to the audience. However, she believes that everyone acknowledges the importance of these initiatives in making 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 there is no indication that this is being considered. There are also accusations that the regents are planning to eliminate the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for lower-income students from Michigan, but the regents have actually expressed a desire to expand it.
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