Prom
Backed by
The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a strong advocate for 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 initiatives in higher education, is considering making changes to its own 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 nationwide.
Members of the board responsible for governing the university mentioned in discussions that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the process of hiring and promoting employees. Additionally, the board is considering reallocating a larger portion of Michigan’s D.E.I. budget towards initiatives aimed at attracting prospective students and providing tuition assistance for those 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 initiatives without being prompted by legislation. The Board of Regents, which is elected by state voters and usually makes decisions collectively, is predominantly Democratic with a 6-2 majority. The state constitution gives the regents significant authority over the university’s finances and overall supervision of the institution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, there has been strong opposition on the Michigan campus in response to initial talks between the regents and university officials. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are actively defending their work and seeking to maintain their funding.
Hundreds of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) came together on the campus of Ann Arbor for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, a junior named Pragya Choudhary, expressed that she believes no one in the audience believes the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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 on campus have highlighted a general lack of understanding about the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the goals of the regents. Some faculty and students are concerned that the regents may completely stop funding the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, but this drastic measure is not currently being considered. There are also accusations that the regents are planning to cut the Go Blue Guarantee, a program that covers full tuition for lower-income students from Michigan. However, the regents have actually expressed a desire to expand the program.
We are currently experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use this website properly, make sure to activate JavaScript in
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please close it and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times content.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access.
Are you already a member? Please sign in.
Interested in receiving all of The Times? Subscribe now to gain access
Prom
Index of the Website
Navigation to Information on the