Prom
Backed by
The University of Michigan is currently evaluating potential changes to its diversity program. As a prominent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education, the university is exploring different strategies in response to criticisms regarding the program’s effectiveness and influence on campus culture.
Authored by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education, is considering adjustments to its program in anticipation of potential challenges under the second term of President Donald J. Trump and potential threats to these initiatives from Republicans in government and academia.
Members of the board responsible for the university mentioned in discussions that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the process of hiring and promoting employees. Additionally, they may consider reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards initiatives focused on recruiting students and providing tuition assistance to those from lower-income backgrounds.
The proposed changes would position Michigan as one of the pioneering public universities to review diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts internally, rather than in response to legislative mandates. The Board of Regents, elected by state voters and predominantly made up of Democrats, holds a 6-2 majority and typically makes decisions through consensus. The state constitution grants the regents significant authority over the university’s finances and overall management of the institution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, conversations have been taking place between the regents and other university officials that have faced strong opposition on the campus of Michigan in the past few days. Administrators focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and secure their funding.
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.
One of the speakers, Pragya Choudhary, a junior, mentioned 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 in a worse condition.
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. Certain faculty and students have expressed concerns that the regents may completely withdraw funding from the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this extreme measure does not seem to be on the table. Some have criticized the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the school’s well-received Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, according to the regents, their goal is to actually enhance and broaden the program.
We are experiencing difficulty in accessing the content of the article.
Please make sure that JavaScript is turned on in your browser settings
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm 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 access.
Are you currently a member? Access your account by logging in
Interested in receiving all of The Times? Sign up for a subscription
Prom
Index of Pages
Navigation for Site Information