The University of Michigan has announced a major overhaul of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which includes the closure of its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion.

Future investments will be redirected towards student-facing programs, such as expanding financial aid, mental health resources, and enhancing academic support services.

This decision was influenced by President Trump's executive orders promoting merit-based opportunities and a letter from the Education Department warning of federal funding cuts for schools that do not eliminate DEI programs.

The decision followed extensive discussions among stakeholders, guided by a special committee led by Dr. Laurie Kay McCauley, the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Faculty reactions have been mixed, with Rebekah Modrak, chair of the Faculty Senate, criticizing the federal government's influence on higher education and warning that this shift could lead to broader censorship.

Regent Jordan Acker supported the decision, arguing that despite significant spending on DEI initiatives, the increase in minority student enrollment has been minimal.

Critics, including civil rights advocates, have condemned the university's decision as a capitulation to authoritarianism, claiming it undermines the institution's commitment to diversity.

A special committee was formed to assess the structural aspects of U-M's DEI efforts, leading to recommendations that resulted in these significant changes.

Advocates for DEI programs argue they are essential for addressing historical inequities, while critics label them as anti-merit and discriminatory.

Despite previous expansions of DEI efforts, the university has faced scrutiny over its effectiveness, particularly in light of recent political pressures and investigations into racial discrimination.

The announcement of these changes was made public on March 27, 2025, just hours before a planned student phone bank for a Supreme Court race in Wisconsin.

DEI initiatives had gained momentum in recent years, particularly following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, which sparked nationwide protests and increased awareness around racial equity.