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The University of Michigan is looking into making changes to its diversity program, which has been a prominent supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) in higher education. With critics raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness and its influence on campus life, the university is exploring new strategies.
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 adjustments to its own program. This comes as colleges nationwide prepare for the second term of President Donald J. Trump and potential challenges to these initiatives from Republicans in government and academia.
Members of the Board of Regents at the university mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements in the hiring and promotion processes. Additionally, they may consider reallocating some of Michigan’s D.E.I. budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition assistance for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is looking to become one of the first selective public universities to reassess diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives internally, rather than due to external pressure. The board, elected by state voters and mostly consisting of Democrats, holds a 6-2 majority and typically makes decisions through agreement. Regents have the final say in controlling the university’s finances and overseeing the school, as outlined in Michigan’s state constitution.
The next meeting for the regents is scheduled for December 5. However, recent conversations between the regents and university officials have resulted in strong opposition on Michigan’s campus. Administrators focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) have launched a campaign to defend their work and protect their funding from criticism.
Hundreds of supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered on the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, acknowledged that the D.E.I. initiatives at the university may not be flawless, but emphasized that they are essential in making the university a better place.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity on campus 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 cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure is not currently being considered. There are also criticisms of 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 intention is actually to expand this program.
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