Prom
Backed by
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. Critics are questioning the effectiveness and influence of the program on campus life, prompting the school to explore new approaches.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, is considering making changes to its program in response to the upcoming second term of President Donald J. Trump and potential challenges to diversity initiatives from Republican leaders in government and academia.
University regents mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will aim to impose restrictions on diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, the board may consider reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first selective public universities to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) internally, rather than due to external legislative pressure. The board, which is elected by state voters and mostly consists of Democrats, has a 6-2 majority and typically makes decisions through agreement. The state constitution gives the regents full authority over the university’s finances and overall supervision of the institution.
The board of regents is scheduled to convene on December 5th. However, conversations between the regents and other university officials have led to strong opposition on the campus of Michigan University recently. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are actively defending their work and fighting to maintain their funding in response to criticism.
A large group of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion came together on the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
During a speech, one of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, acknowledged that the D.E.I. initiatives at the university may not be flawless in the eyes of the audience. However, Choudhary emphasized that everyone present understood that without these initiatives, the university would be a less welcoming and inclusive place.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of understanding on campus about the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions of the regents. Some faculty and students are concerned that the regents might 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 accusations against the regents for planning to eliminate the school’s Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for low-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually want to enhance this program.
We are experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use all the features of this website, make sure to
We appreciate your patience as we confirm access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please log out and sign into 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? Please sign in.
Interested in receiving all of The Times content? Subscribe now.
Prom
Index of Website
Navigation for Information on the Website
