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The University of Michigan is looking into potential changes for its diversity program, which has been a major advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness and influence on campus culture.
Authored 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 potential challenges from the upcoming second term of President Donald J. Trump and the Republican party’s opposition to these initiatives in both government and academic institutions.
Members of the board of regents at the university mentioned in discussions that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, there are plans to potentially allocate a larger portion of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first selective public universities to reevaluate diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) without being prompted by laws or regulations. The board overseeing the university, which is primarily made up of Democrats, has control over the university’s finances and provides general supervision of the school. This board is elected by state voters and typically makes decisions through a consensus approach.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, there has been strong opposition from Michigan’s campus community in response to initial discussions between the regents and other university officials. Administrators responsible for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and secure continued funding.
Hundreds of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) convened at the Ann Arbor campus on Monday for a rally.
One of the speakers, Pragya Choudhary, a junior, acknowledged that the D.E.I. initiatives at this university are not flawless, but emphasized that everyone in the audience recognizes the importance of these initiatives in making the university a better place.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of understanding on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions of the regents. Some faculty and students are concerned that the regents may completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure is not currently being considered. There have also been accusations against the regents for allegedly planning to eliminate 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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