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The University of Michigan is reviewing potential changes to its diversity program, which has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. The school is exploring a new strategy in response to concerns raised by critics 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 efforts 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 the Republican party in both government and academia.
In discussions with university officials, the Regents expressed their intention for the board to propose restrictions on diversity statements in the hiring and promotion processes. Additionally, there may be a consideration to allocate a greater portion of Michigan’s D.E.I. budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering making changes that would set it apart as one of the first public universities to reassess Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) without being pushed by legislation. The board, which is elected by the state voters, is mostly made up of Democrats with a 6-2 majority and typically makes decisions through agreement. The state constitution gives the regents the final say on the university’s budget and overall supervision of the institution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, recent conversations between the regents and university officials have faced strong opposition on the campus of Michigan. Administrators in charge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and secure their funding against criticism.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered at the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, a junior named Pragya Choudhary, acknowledged that the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are not flawless in the eyes of the audience. 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 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 withdraw funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure does not seem to be on the table. There are also accusations against the regents for allegedly considering cutting the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for economically disadvantaged students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually plan to enhance this program.
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