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The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity program, which has been a significant supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are questioning the effectiveness and influence of the program on campus life, prompting the school to explore new approaches.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan, a strong supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, is considering making changes to its program as colleges nationwide prepare for the second term of President Donald J. Trump and potential challenges to these initiatives from the Republican party in government and academia.
Members of the board in charge of the university mentioned that they anticipate proposing restrictions on diversity statements when making decisions about hiring and promotions. Additionally, they may consider reallocating a portion of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would distinguish it as one of the first public universities to reassess diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) on its own terms, rather than due to external pressures. The board overseeing the university is primarily made up of Democrats, who were elected by state voters and typically make decisions through mutual agreement. The state constitution grants the regents authority over the university’s finances and overall management of the institution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, there has been strong opposition from the Michigan campus community in response to early conversations between the regents and university officials. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion administrators are actively defending their work and advocating for the continuation of their funding.
Hundreds of people who support diversity, equity, and inclusion gathered at the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
During a speech, junior Pragya Choudhary expressed that the D.E.I. initiatives at the university may not be perfect, but they are necessary to make the university a better place. Choudhary emphasized that everyone in the audience recognizes the importance of these initiatives for creating a more inclusive and diverse campus environment.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions of the regents. Some faculty and students have expressed concerns that the regents might completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this drastic measure does not seem to be on the table. There have also been criticisms of the regents for allegedly 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 aim to broaden the program.
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