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The University of Michigan is evaluating potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for being one of the most prominent advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness and how it affects campus life, prompting the school to explore new strategies.
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. This comes as colleges nationwide prepare for the start of Donald J. Trump’s second term as president and potential challenges to these initiatives from the Republican party in both government and academia.
According to interviews with university regents, they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements used in hiring and promotions. Additionally, the board may consider reallocating funds from Michigan’s D.E.I. budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
The proposed changes in Michigan would make it one of the first selective public universities to actively reconsider Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) without external pressure from legislation. The board, primarily composed of Democrats with a 6-2 majority, is elected by state voters and typically makes decisions through agreement. According to Michigan’s state constitution, the regents have the final authority over the university’s finances and also supervise the school in general.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5. However, discussions between the regents and university officials have been met with strong opposition on the Michigan campus recently. Administrators focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and maintain their funding.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion came together at the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, mentioned 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 without these initiatives, the university would be a less welcoming place.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the goals of the regents. Certain 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 is not currently being considered. Some have also criticized the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate the Go Blue Guarantee, a program that covers full tuition for economically disadvantaged students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually aim to expand the program.
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