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The University of Michigan is evaluating potential changes to its diversity program, which is known for being a major advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the effectiveness and influence of the program on 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 own program in response to potential challenges from the upcoming second term of President Donald J. Trump and Republican efforts to undermine such initiatives in government and academia.
Members of the university’s governing body expressed their intention to propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in hiring and promotions. They are also considering reallocating a portion of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid for students from low-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would make it one of the first public universities to review diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) practices internally rather than due to external pressure. The board overseeing the university is primarily made up of Democrats with a 6-2 majority, and they are elected by state voters. They typically make decisions through agreement. According to Michigan’s state constitution, the regents have the final say in the university’s financial matters and provide general supervision over the school.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, recent conversations between the regents and other university officials have led to strong opposition on Michigan’s campus. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are working to defend their work and secure their funding amidst criticism.
A rally was held on the Ann Arbor campus on Monday, where hundreds of supporters of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) came together.
During the event, a junior named Pragya Choudhary expressed that while the D.E.I. initiatives at the university may not be flawless, everyone in the audience recognizes that the university would be a less favorable environment without them.
The discussions at the university have highlighted a lack of clarity 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 is not currently being considered. There are also accusations that the regents are 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 expand this program.
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