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The University of Michigan is contemplating changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. This reconsideration comes as some critics raise concerns about the effectiveness of the program and its influence on campus culture.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, known for its strong support of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, is considering adjustments to its program in light of the upcoming second term of President Donald J. Trump and potential challenges to these initiatives from the Republican party in government and academia.
Officials in charge of the university mentioned in discussions that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements for hiring and promotions. Additionally, they are considering reallocating a portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition support for students from low-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first selective public universities to reevaluate diversity, equity, and inclusion internally instead of due to legal requirements. The board, which is elected by state voters, has a majority of Democrats and typically makes decisions through agreement. The state constitution gives the regents authority over the university’s finances and supervision of the school.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, there has been strong resistance on Michigan’s campus in response to initial talks between the regents and other university officials. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are actively defending their work and seeking to maintain their funding amidst criticism.
A large group of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) met on the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, expressed that she believes no one in the audience thinks the D.E.I. initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone present understands that the university would be in a worse state without these initiatives.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of understanding on campus about the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the plans of the regents. There are concerns among some faculty and students 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. There have also been criticisms of the regents for allegedly considering cutting the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full tuition for Michigan students from low-income backgrounds. However, the regents have stated that they actually aim to increase support for the program.
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