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The University of Michigan is currently reviewing potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the effectiveness and influence of the program on campus life, prompting the school to explore alternative approaches.
Authored 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 the start of Donald J. Trump’s second presidency and potential challenges to these initiatives by Republicans in government and academia.
Members of the board in charge of the university mentioned that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, the board is considering 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 examine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion internally, rather than due to external pressure. The board, elected by state voters, is mostly comprised of Democrats with a 6-2 majority and typically makes decisions through agreement. Regents of Michigan have the final say over the university’s finances and have a broad authority to supervise the school.
The regents have a scheduled meeting on December 5th. However, there has been strong opposition from Michigan’s campus community following initial talks between the regents and other university officials. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are actively defending their work and trying to secure their funding amidst criticism.
A large group of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion came together on Monday at the Ann Arbor campus for a rally.
One of the speakers, a junior named Pragya Choudhary, expressed that they believe no one in the audience thinks the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are flawless. However, they also stated 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. Some faculty and students have expressed concerns that the regents may completely withdraw funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure is not currently being considered. There have also been criticisms towards the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which offers full tuition to lower-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually aim to enhance this program.
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