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The University of Michigan is currently reviewing its diversity program, which is known for being a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) in higher education. Criticism from skeptics about the program’s effectiveness and influence on campus culture has prompted the school to explore potential changes in its approach.
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 in response to potential challenges under Donald J. Trump’s second presidency and Republican opposition to such initiatives in government and academia.
The university’s governing body mentioned in interviews that they anticipate the board will propose restrictions on diversity statements used in hiring and promotions. Additionally, the board may consider reallocating some of Michigan’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and tuition assistance for students from low-income backgrounds.
The proposed changes in Michigan are aiming to make it one of the first selective public universities to review diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) practices internally, rather than being mandated by legislation. The board, which is elected by state voters and usually makes decisions together, is mostly comprised of Democrats with a 6-2 majority. The state constitution gives the regents authority over the university’s finances and general supervision of the school.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5. However, recent conversations between the regents and university officials have faced strong opposition on Michigan’s campus. Administrators focusing 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 of diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered on the Ann Arbor campus for a rally this past Monday.
One of the speakers, junior Pragya Choudhary, expressed that there is room for improvement in the D.E.I. initiatives at the university. However, she also emphasized that everyone in the audience recognizes the importance of these initiatives in making the university a better place.
The discussions on campus have highlighted a general lack of understanding about 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, but this drastic measure does not seem to be on the table. 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 Michigan students. However, the regents have stated that they actually want to expand this program.
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