The University of Michigan Board of Regents did not vote on defunding its diversity, equity, and inclusion program at their final meeting of the year, despite protests and concerns about the program’s effectiveness. Instead, they decided to no longer require diversity statements for faculty during hiring or promotion. The board also increased household income requirements for tuition-free admission, aiming to make education more accessible and equitable. While there was speculation about the potential defunding of the DEI program, board members stated that there are no plans to make cuts to these programs. This decision came after a New York Times Magazine article raised questions about the program’s effectiveness, leading to concerns among students and faculty. Some individuals at the university, including physics professor Keith Riles, have called for the elimination of all DEI programs, referring to them as discrimination and questioning their role on campus. President-elect Donald Trump has also expressed intentions to pull back on DEI programs at federally funded colleges. Despite the controversy surrounding the DEI program, many students and faculty members have expressed strong support for it, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion on campus. The decision not to vote on defunding the program was met with relief by those who rallied in support of DEI initiatives.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
