After many months of intense discussion and reflection involving multiple stakeholders across and beyond the university, the University of Michigan is moving forward with important changes to its diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

The changes, outlined in a March 27 email message from university leaders to the Ann Arbor and Michigan Medicine communities, include closing the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion as well as discontinuing the DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan. The changes are effective immediately.

In the months ahead, the university will shift resources to increase investments in student-facing programs, such as financial aid, mental health resources, pre-professional counseling and other efforts that strengthen community, promote a sense of belonging and expand accessibility. 

“These decisions have not been made lightly. We recognize the changes are significant and will be challenging for many of us, especially those whose lives and careers have been enriched by and dedicated to programs that are now pivoting,” said the message, signed by President Santa J. Ono; Laurie K. McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; Marschall S. Runge, executive vice president for medical affairs; and Geoffrey S. Chatas, executive vice president and chief financial officer. 

“We are deeply grateful for the meaningful contributions of leaders, faculty and staff who have advanced our ongoing efforts to create an ever-more inclusive and respectful community.”

The message recognized important progress since the launch of the DEI strategic plan in 2016. First-generation undergraduate students, for example, have increased 46% and undergraduate Pell recipients have increased by more than 32%, driven in part by the success of programs such as Go Blue Guarantee and Wolverine Pathways.

“Over the course of our strategic efforts, we have heard strong pride in the university’s support for student-facing programs,” the message said. “We have also heard concerns about the balance of resources between administration and direct student support. Some in our campus community have voiced frustration that they did not feel included in DEI initiatives and that the programming fell short in fostering connections among diverse groups.”

As part of ongoing assessments, McCauley convened a special committee last year, co-sponsored by the vice president for government relations and chief diversity officer, which brought together deans, faculty and staff to review the structural aspects of U-M’s DEI efforts.

After leadership and board discussions, the executive vice presidents presented a plan to the Board of Regents, leading to further deliberation in tandem with the early months of the new presidential administration when executive orders and federal guidance—including several that broadly criticized DEI programs—began to reshape higher education. University leaders engaged national associations, policy advisers and others to navigate the implications of the federal directives, which have intensified. 

The message announced additional actions, including the following. 

• All units will evaluate their web presence to reflect the status of the current programmatic directions and for compliance with federal executive orders and guidance.
• The decision to end the use of diversity statements in faculty hiring, which was made earlier this academic year, will be applied universitywide; and statements related to a person’s commitment to DEI will no longer be solicited or considered in admissions, hiring, promotion, awards, annual reviews or other assessments for faculty and staff. 
• Individual leads, who have supported DEI efforts in schools, colleges and units, will refocus their full effort on their core responsibilities.
• The Office of the General Counsel will initiate an expedited review to ensure all policies, programs and practices comply with federal law and guidance.

“We remain committed to fostering an environment that values and supports every member of our community and honors diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences,” the message from leaders said. “In the months ahead, the university will increase investments in student-facing programs.”

These investments include:

• Expanding financial aid: As previously announced, the Go Blue Guarantee has been expanded to benefit all families with an income of $125,000 or less. Other ways to further reduce the cost of attendance will be explored.
• Enhancing mental health support: Mental health resources will be increased to better support all students.
• Expanding the Blavin Scholars Program: Given its exceptional impact, a plan will be developed to expand this program to serve even more students.
• Strengthening academic success: U-M will explore ways to enhance student success through improved advising, counseling and pre-professional guidance, as well as continue investing in innovative approaches, such as 24/7 AI tutors and a personal AI assistant for every member of the community.
• Fostering community and belonging: U-M will seek opportunities to expand student life programs that strengthen community, promote a sense of belonging and expand accessibility.
• Preserving key student spaces: The university remains committed to maintaining vital student spaces, including the Trotter Multicultural Center, the Spectrum Center and various multicultural spaces in residence halls, all of which are open to all students.
• Celebrating cultural and ethnic programs: Cultural and ethnic events that enrich our campus and foster a vibrant, inclusive environment will continue to be supported.

“These efforts underscore our commitment to prioritizing student-facing initiatives and ensuring resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact,” the message said. “We stand steadfast in our dedication to academic freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and to lifting the distinct, ineffable potential of every individual in our community.”

Written by Jeff Bleiler