ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — The University of Michigan announced on December 5 that it will no longer require diversity statements in decisions regarding “faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure.”

The move marks a shift for the university, which has spent over $250 million on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives since 2016, according to Bridge Michigan. Provost Laurie McCauley cited concerns raised by a faculty working group that such statements could restrict freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus.

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“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three of our core values at the university,” McCauley said in The University Record article. “Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people. As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.”

The University of Michigan is the latest institution to abandon diversity statements. Earlier this year, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology also eliminated the requirement, citing similar concerns about freedom of expression.

The announcement was met with protests from students and faculty who worry it signals a broader rollback of DEI efforts. Hours after the decision, more than 100 students marched from UM President Santa Ono’s residence to the Ruthven Administration Building, chanting, “Regents, regents, you can’t hide, you know we want DEI.”

Additionally, an online petition urging the university to protect DEI efforts has gathered more than 2,500 signatures.

Some regents, however, praised the decision. 

Republican Regent Sarah Hubbard called it a step toward ensuring “diversity of thought” and “freedom of speech” for all students and faculty. She has also advocated for reallocating DEI funds to increase financial aid for students.

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On the same day, the university announced an $8.8 million expansion of its Go Blue Guarantee, a tuition-free program for low-income students. The change will provide aid to an additional 2,200 students across UM’s three campuses.

Advocates argue this program demonstrates the university’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity in the wake of Michigan’s 2006 ban on affirmative action and the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on race-conscious admissions policies.

“Ultimately, DEI work and the values that animate it are central to who we are and who our world needs us to be at this moment,” associate professor Melissa Borja said during a recent Board of Regents meeting. “Supporting DEI is a chance for the University of Michigan to truly be the leaders and best.”