The University of Michigan Board of Regents did not vote on defunding its diversity, equity, and inclusion program at its final meeting of the year following protests on campus. Instead, they decided to no longer require diversity statements for faculty during hiring or promotion. The board did not directly address disbanding the DEI program, but members indicated that there were no plans to make cuts. They also increased household income requirements for tuition-free admission for qualified students. President Santa J. Ono said the increase aims to make education more accessible and equitable for students across the state.
The decision not to vote on defunding the DEI program was a relief to students and faculty who rallied against potential cuts. Some expressed their support for the program during the meeting, while others, like physics professor Keith Riles, called for the elimination of all DEI programs, criticizing them as discriminatory. President-elect Donald Trump has also voiced intentions to reduce DEI programs at federally funded colleges.
The Michigan Daily reported that the board had considered defunding DEI initiatives in the next fiscal year, sparking concerns among campus community members. The decision to scrap faculty diversity statements raised alarm among program supporters, highlighting ongoing debates around DEI programs on college campuses across the country.
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