Prom
Backed by
The University of Michigan is currently reviewing its diversity program, which has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Critics are raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness and its influence on campus culture, prompting the school to consider implementing a new strategy.
Written by Nicholas Confessore
The University of Michigan is considering making changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion program, following the re-election of Donald J. Trump as president and potential challenges to these initiatives from Republicans in government and academia. Michigan has a strong commitment to promoting diversity in higher education.
Members of the university’s board of regents expressed their intention to propose restrictions on the use of diversity statements in the hiring and promotion process. Additionally, they are considering reallocating a portion of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion budget towards recruitment initiatives and financial aid for students from low-income backgrounds.
Michigan is considering changes that would set it apart as one of the first selective public universities to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) internally rather than in response to external pressure. The board overseeing the university is primarily made up of Democrats and is elected by state voters, typically making decisions through mutual agreement. Regents have significant authority over the university’s finances and overall management as outlined in Michigan’s state constitution.
The next meeting of the regents is scheduled for December 5th. However, there has been strong opposition on the Michigan campus in response to initial talks between the regents and university officials. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) administrators are actively defending their work and advocating for the continuation of their funding.
A large group of supporters for diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) came together on the Ann Arbor campus for a rally on Monday.
One of the speakers, Pragya Choudhary, a junior, stated that she believes no one in the audience thinks the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the university are flawless. However, she emphasized that everyone understands that without these initiatives, the university would be in a worse state.
The discussions have highlighted a general lack of clarity among students and faculty on campus regarding the purpose of the D.E.I. program and the intentions of the regents. Some individuals have expressed concerns that the regents may completely cut funding for the school’s D.E.I. initiatives, although this extreme measure does not seem to be on the table. There have also been criticisms of the regents for allegedly considering cutting the Go Blue Guarantee, a program that covers full tuition for economically disadvantaged students from Michigan. However, the regents have stated that they actually plan to expand this program.
We are currently experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use this website properly, make sure to activate JavaScript in
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please log out and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm access.
Have you already signed up for a subscription? Please log in
Interested in getting access to all articles and content from The Times?
Marketing
Index of the website
Navigation for site information.
