University of Michigan Closes Diversity Office Amid Federal Pressure

2025-03-29 general

Ann Arbor, Friday, 28 March 2025.
The University of Michigan is shutting down its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office, reflecting national trends in response to federal mandates and scrutiny of DEI programs.

Immediate Implementation of Changes

The University of Michigan announced on March 27, 2025, the immediate closure of its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI) [1][2]. This decision comes in direct response to President Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI programs in higher education, including directives focused on ‘Ending Illegal Discrimination’ and ‘Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs’ [3]. The university has historically invested approximately $250 million in these initiatives since their launch in 2016 [4].

Track Record and Achievements

Under the DEI programs, the university achieved significant milestones in student diversity. First-generation undergraduate enrollment increased by 46%, while undergraduate Pell Grant recipients grew by over 32% through initiatives like the Go Blue Guarantee and Wolverine Pathways [1][2]. These programs have served as a model for other institutions across the country [4].

Transition and Future Focus

The university is pivoting towards student-facing initiatives, with plans to expand financial aid for families earning $125,000 or less and enhance mental health resources [2]. All diversity statements will be eliminated from faculty hiring, promotions, and admissions processes [5]. The institution will maintain certain multicultural spaces, including the Trotter Multicultural Center and the Spectrum Center, while continuing to support cultural and ethnic events on campus [2].

National Context and Response

The closure reflects a broader national trend as universities respond to federal pressure regarding DEI programs [4]. The White House has characterized Michigan’s decision as ‘a huge victory for merit, excellence, and common sense’ [4]. Faculty leadership, however, has expressed concerns, with Senate Advisory Committee chair Rebekah Modrak warning about the potential impact on higher education equity and inclusivity [6].

Sources

University of Michigan diversity closure