Prom
Backed by
The University of Michigan is evaluating potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. The school is exploring a different strategy in response to criticism about the program’s effectiveness and its influence on campus culture.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its commitment to 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 the Republican party in government and academia.
Members of the board in charge of the university mentioned in discussions that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, the board may consider reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first selective public universities to reevaluate diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) without being forced by laws. The board overseeing the university is mainly made up of Democrats, who are elected by state voters and typically make decisions through agreement. The state constitution gives the regents authority over the university’s finances and overall supervision of the institution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5. However, there has been strong opposition on the campus of Michigan University in response to initial conversations between the regents and other university officials. Administrators focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and secure continued funding.
Hundreds of people supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) came together on the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, acknowledged that the audience may not see the D.E.I. initiatives at the university as flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone present understands that without these initiatives, the university would be in a worse state.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the goals of the regents. Certain faculty and students are concerned that the regents might completely withdraw funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure does not seem to be on the table. Some individuals have criticized the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for lower-income Michigan students. However, the regents have stated that they actually aim to broaden the program.
We are currently experiencing difficulties in accessing the article’s content.
Kindly activate JavaScript in the settings of your web browser.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently using Reader mode, please log out and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times content.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access.
Have you already signed up for a subscription? If so,
Interested in getting access to all the articles and content from The Times
Prom
Index of the website
Navigation to find information on
