With the move, Michigan University is joining other American institutions, including Harvard and MIT that recently eliminated similar requirements|Ken Lund|CC BY-SA 2.0
The University of Michigan announced it would no longer require diversity statements for faculty hiring, promotion, or tenure evaluations, underscoring a broader trend among industries and academia, including Harvard and MIT that recently eliminated similar requirements.
These statements previously outlined candidates’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles but were solicited case-by-case rather than via a university-wide policy.
Financial scrutiny and criticism
Provost Laurie McCauley emphasized Michigan’s commitment to DEI while acknowledging the need for adjustments.
The decision follows scrutiny over the university’s $250 million DEI spending since 2016, with minimal impact on Black student enrollment, which remains at 6.1%.
The New York Times reported that university regents, at a Thursday meeting, announced expanding the school’s scholarship program for lower-income students. Some regents are considering cutting funding to some DEI programs to offset the expansion.
The school didn’t defund the program, but the regents’ consideration of DEI policies has drawn criticism.
Ongoing campus protests
Critics, including some faculty, claim diversity statements risk limiting freedom of expression.
Tensions over potential DEI cuts sparked protests, with over 500 faculty and students rallying against rollbacks. Regents are set to discuss DEI initiatives, but no immediate actions are expected.