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The University of Michigan is discussing potential changes to its diversity program, which has been a major advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) in higher education. Some critics are questioning the effectiveness and influence of the program on campus life.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion 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 challenges to these initiatives from Republicans in government and academia.
Members of the university’s board of regents mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, there is a possibility that the board will consider reallocating a portion of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) budget towards initiatives focused on recruiting students and providing tuition assistance to those from lower-income backgrounds.
Proposed changes in Michigan aim to make it one of the first selective public universities to proactively reconsider diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) without external pressure. 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 in managing the university’s finances and overseeing its operations.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, conversations between the regents and other university officials have faced strong opposition on Michigan’s campus lately. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are working to defend their work and secure funding amidst criticism.
A large group of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered at the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
During a speech, Pragya Choudhary, a junior, mentioned that no one in the audience believes the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone recognizes the importance of these initiatives in making the university a better place.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of understanding on campus about the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the goals of the regents. Some faculty and students are concerned that the regents may completely stop funding the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, but this extreme measure does not seem to be on the table. There are also accusations that the regents are planning to eliminate the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have actually expressed a desire to expand this program.
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