The University of Michigan has announced updates related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The following document provides answers to frequently asked questions.

What changes is the University of Michigan making to its DEI initiatives and programs?  

The University of Michigan is making the following changes, effective immediately:  

• The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI) will close. Student-facing services will shift to other offices, which will continue to focus on access and opportunity.
• The DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan, the umbrella strategy for schools, colleges and units, will be discontinued, along with DEI 2.0 unit plans, related programming, progress reporting, training and funding. Individual leads, who have supported DEI efforts in schools, colleges and units, will refocus their full effort on their core responsibilities.
• All units will evaluate their web presence to reflect the status of the current programmatic directions and for compliance with federal executive orders, guidance and appeals.
• 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. 
• The Office of the General Counsel will initiate an expedited review to ensure all policies, programs and practices comply with federal law and guidance.

Why are these changes being made?

Since the inception of our DEI strategic plan in 2016, we have made important progress in opening opportunities and supporting the success of all students. The work to remove barriers to student success is inherently challenging, and our leadership has played a vital role in shaping inclusive excellence throughout higher education. 

Over the course of our strategic efforts, we have heard strong pride in the university’s support for student-facing programs. 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, Provost Laurie McCauley convened a special committee late 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 our DEI efforts. The committee deliberated and in January shared their recommendations with the three sponsors.

The Provost presented the recommendations and a plan to the Board of Regents, and thoughtful discussion unfolded throughout the early months of the new presidential administration, when the rapid succession of executive orders and federal guidance – including several that broadly criticized DEI programs – began to reshape higher education.

Based on feedback gathered during that effort, and with recent federal executive orders, guidance and funding cuts bringing urgency to the issue, we are moving forward with these changes.

These decisions were not made lightly, and reflect conversations with the Regents, university leaders, deans, policy advisers and government officials, and are in alignment with many of our peers at public and private institutions.

What is happening to services currently housed in the Office of DEI?

Student-facing services in ODEI will shift to other offices, which will continue to support access and opportunity.

What does this mean for the University of Michigan moving forward?

The University of Michigan remains committed to our mission to serve Michigan and the world. We will continue to foster an environment that values and supports every member of our community and honors diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

In the months ahead, the university will increase investments in student-facing programs. This will include the following.

• Expanding financial aid: As previously announced, we have expanded the Go Blue Guarantee to benefit all families with an income of $125,000 or less. Additionally, we will continue exploring ways to further reduce the cost of attendance.
• Enhancing mental health support: We will increase mental health resources to better support all students.
• Expanding the Blavin Scholars Program: Given its exceptional impact, we will develop a plan to expand this program to serve even more students.
• Strengthening academic success: We will explore ways to enhance student success through improved advising, counseling and pre-professional guidance. Additionally, we will continue investing in innovative approaches, such as our 24/7 AI tutors and a personal AI assistant for every member of our community.
• Fostering community and belonging: We will seek opportunities to expand student life programs that strengthen community, promote a sense of belonging and expand accessibility.
• Preserving key student spaces: We remain 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: We will continue to support cultural and ethnic events that enrich our campus and foster a vibrant, inclusive environment.

Where should I go with specific questions?

Questions about University of Michigan’s response to federal orders, memos and agency guidance can be submitted through this form on our Public Affairs page. Research-specific questions can be submitted to research-questions@umich.edu.