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The University of Michigan is considering changes to its diversity program, which has been a major advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness and impact on campus culture.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education, is considering adjustments to its own program in response to potential challenges from the upcoming second term of President Donald J. Trump and Republican opposition to these initiatives in both government and academia.
Members of the university’s governing body mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements when making hiring and promotion decisions. Additionally, the board may consider reallocating funds from Michigan’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) 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 reassess Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) internally, rather than in response to legislative pressure. The board, which is elected by state voters and mostly functions through consensus, is mostly made up of Democrats who hold a 6-2 majority. The state constitution gives the regents authority over the university’s finances and general supervision of the school.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, conversations between the regents and university officials have faced strong opposition on Michigan’s campus recently. Administrators in charge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have launched a campaign to address criticism of their efforts and protect their funding.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion met on the campus of Ann Arbor for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, Pragya Choudhary, a junior, expressed that she believes nobody in the audience thinks the D.E.I. initiatives at this 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 clarity among students and faculty on campus about the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions of the regents. There are concerns that the regents may completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, but this drastic measure does not seem to be on the table. Some have criticized the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually want to enhance the program.
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