U-M halts DEI plans as Trump administration takes aim at diversity efforts

• University is stopping its diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan and programming
• U-M is closing two offices related to DEI 
• President Santa Ono cites ongoing changes at the federal level as factor for changes 

The University of Michigan is ending its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts effective immediately, the university announced Thursday. 

U-M has come under scrutiny for its DEI efforts, particularly in recent months as President Donald Trump and his administration target DEI initiatives. 

Trump has threatened retaliation against universities that don’t comply with a slew of executive orders seeking to end DEI efforts, resulting in institutions across the country canceling events, changing programming and rescinding hires that could be construed as DEI-related. 

In a letter to students, staff and faculty, U-M President Santo Ono said  programming, training and funding associated with the school's DEI strategic plan would end. The plan was to run from 2023 through 2028 and follows the school’s previous strategic DEI plan that ran from 2016 to 2021. 

U-M is also closing its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion, Ono said. 

“Over the course of our strategic efforts, we have heard strong pride in the university’s support for student-facing programs,” Ono 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.” 

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In announcing the change, Ono cited a recent ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to lift a temporary court-ordered ban on enforcing two Trump executive orders aimed at rooting out DEI programs and funding at universities and other government institutions. 

He also pointed to the Trump administration’s order directing the secretary of education to wind down federal Department of Education operations and further scrutinize DEI programs. 

The U-M letter was also signed by the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, the executive vice president for medical affairs and the executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“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,” Ono said. “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.” 

U-M previously ended soliciting diversity statements for hiring decisions. Ono said “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. ”

On the same day of the original announcement about hiring decisions, more than 100 people marched from outside Ono’s university home to the administration building, chanting: “Regents, regents, you can’t hide, you know we want DEI.”

University units are expected to update their websites to comply with federal executive orders and guidance, and the school’s legal team “will initiate an expedited review to ensure all policies, programs and practices comply with federal law and guidance.”

U-M spokesperson Colleen Mastony previously told Bridge in an email the university spent $236.2 million on DEI from fiscal year 2016 through 2023. 

That figure includes $64 million for the Go Blue Guarantee and Wolverine Pathways, which works with seventh- through 12th-graders in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Southfield and Ypsilanti. Students who complete Wolverine Pathways and are admitted to U-M Ann Arbor or U-M Dearborn receive free university tuition for four years.

Ono said in the letter U-M “will increase investments in student-facing programs,” including “expanding financial aid,” “enhancing mental health support,”  and “strengthening academic success,” among other efforts.

“These efforts underscore our commitment to prioritizing student-facing initiatives and ensuring resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact,” Ono 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. ”