The University of Michigan Board of Regents did not vote on defunding its diversity, equity, and inclusion program at a recent meeting, but did announce that they will no longer require diversity statements for faculty members. The board emphasized that there are no plans to make cuts to the program, which has reportedly spent $250 million on diversity initiatives since 2016. In addition, the board increased household income requirements for the Go Blue Guarantee program, which grants free tuition to high-achieving in-state students from families with incomes below $125,000.
There was concern about potential defunding of the DEI program after a New York Times Magazine article raised questions about its effectiveness. The program has faced criticism from some, including physics professor Keith Riles, who called it discriminatory and corrosive. President-elect Donald Trump has also expressed intentions to pull back on DEI at federally funded colleges, and some states have banned DEI programs at state-funded universities.
Despite the concerns, more than 500 students and faculty rallied on campus to support the DEI program, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion on campus. The decision to no longer require diversity statements for faculty did raise alarms among program proponents, but the board assured that there are no plans to cut the DEI initiatives. The increase in income requirements for the Go Blue Guarantee program is aimed at making education more accessible and equitable for students across the state.
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