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The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity program, which is known for being one of the largest supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness and its influence 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 making changes to its own program. This comes as colleges nationwide prepare for Donald J. Trump’s second presidency and potential challenges to these initiatives from Republicans in government and academia.
Members of the board of regents at the university stated that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements in the hiring and promotion processes. Additionally, they may consider reallocating a portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid for students from low-income backgrounds.
Michigan is looking to become one of the first selective public universities to reevaluate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) without being forced by legislation. The board, which is mostly made up of Democrats with a 6-2 majority, is elected by state voters and usually makes decisions through agreement. According to Michigan’s state constitution, the regents have the final say in the university’s finances and overall 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 (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and protect their funding from criticism.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered at the Ann Arbor campus on Monday for a rally.
One of the speakers, a junior named Pragya Choudhary, expressed that she believes no one in the audience thinks the university’s D.E.I. initiatives are flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone in attendance recognizes the importance of these initiatives in making the university a better place.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity on campus about 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 cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure does not seem to be on the table. There are also criticisms towards the regents for allegedly considering cutting the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for lower-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that their goal is actually to expand the program.
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