The University of Michigan has announced a sweeping overhaul of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, signaling a shift away from centralized administrative programming in favor of student-facing services and legal compliance. The changes come amid growing national scrutiny of DEI efforts and evolving federal regulations.
Effective immediately, the university will close both the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI). Additionally, the university’s DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan—a framework launched to guide DEI efforts across its schools, colleges, and administrative units—has been discontinued, along with associated training, programming, funding, and reporting mechanisms.
“We have made important progress in opening opportunities and supporting student success since the launch of our DEI strategic plan in 2016,” the university said in a statement. “However, concerns around resource allocation and inclusion in the process led us to reevaluate our approach.”
Among the most significant changes is a university-wide ban on the use of diversity statements in faculty hiring—a policy already implemented earlier this academic year and now being extended to admissions, promotions, awards, and performance evaluations. Statements regarding DEI commitment will no longer be solicited or considered in any official assessments of faculty or staff.
In addition, the Office of the General Counsel has been tasked with conducting an expedited review of all university policies, programs, and practices to ensure compliance with federal laws and executive orders.
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These changes were prompted by a special committee formed last year by Provost Laurie McCauley, in consultation with the university’s Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Government Relations. Their recommendations, presented in January, came amid a wave of federal executive orders and funding restrictions that have put pressure on universities across the country to revise DEI-related initiatives.
“These decisions were not made lightly,” the university emphasized, noting that the changes reflect consultation with university regents, deans, legal advisors, and government officials, and align with recent moves by peer institutions in both the public and private sectors.
Despite the administrative restructuring, the University of Michigan says it remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment and is increasing investment in programs that directly benefit students.
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Planned efforts include:
- Expanding financial aid, including the Go Blue Guarantee, now available to all families earning $125,000 or less.
- Increasing mental health services to support students across campus.
- Expanding the Blavin Scholars Program, which supports students who have experienced foster care.
- Enhancing academic advising and counseling, including the integration of 24/7 AI tutors and personal AI assistants for students.
- Preserving and promoting multicultural spaces, such as the Trotter Multicultural Center, the Spectrum Center, and other residence hall spaces.
- Supporting cultural and ethnic programming, which the university says will remain a cornerstone of campus life.
Student-facing services previously housed in the now-defunct DEI offices will be transitioned to other administrative units focused on access and opportunity. The university has also directed all departments to update their web presence to reflect the new programmatic direction and ensure compliance with federal guidance.
“We will continue to honor diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences,” the university said. “And we will ensure our commitment to student success is reflected not just in our words, but in our actions.”
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