The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents decided not to vote on whether to defund its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program at its final meeting of the year. This decision followed widespread protests from students and faculty advocating for the preservation of the program. Despite ongoing debate, the board confirmed that it would not take any immediate action to cut funding for DEI initiatives, which have reportedly spent $250 million since 2016.
However, the board made some significant changes. One of the most notable decisions was to eliminate the requirement for faculty members to submit diversity statements during the hiring and promotion processes. This move represents a substantial shift in the university’s approach to hiring, further emphasizing the evolving stance on diversity policies.
Key Decisions Made Amidst Protests on Campus
Board member Michael Behm reassured the public, stating, “There are no plans to make any cuts to these programs,” trying to quell rumors surrounding the future of DEI initiatives at the university. This comment came after a report from The New York Times Magazine raised concerns about the program’s effectiveness, sparking conversations about whether the board would take action to reduce its scope.
In addition to addressing DEI issues, the board also expanded the Go Blue Guarantee program, which offers in-state students from households with incomes below $125,000 free tuition. The new threshold is a significant increase from the previous limit of $65,000, and University President Santa J. Ono explained that this move is aimed at enhancing access to education, ensuring that higher education at Michigan remains affordable and inclusive.
Despite these decisions, there was no clear indication that the board would vote on defunding the DEI program in the near future. This outcome leaves the program’s fate uncertain, but for now, the university has made strides toward greater financial accessibility while maintaining its stance on DEI-related programs.
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