The University of Michigan Board of Regents met behind closed doors to discuss the future of the University’s diversity, equity and inclusion plan, including the possibility of defunding DEI altogether, alleges a Nov. 20 letter written by Faculty Senate Chair Rebekah Modrak.
According to the letter, which was emailed to the more than 7,300 faculty and educational staff who comprise the Faculty Senate, multiple sources have confirmed the occurrence of this closed-door meeting. The letter says the Board could announce changes to DEI funding during their meeting later today.
“With seemingly no interest in accessing evidence about the successes or challenges of the program, the Regents cannot understand what DEI encompasses,” the letter reads. “Many of us are concerned that the Regents are about to make decisions that stretch beyond their charge … and encroach upon our educational and research missions.”
Modrak’s letter also expresses concern over a lack of checks and balances on the Board by U-M leadership.
“There do not seem to be safeguards at the presidential and provostial level where leadership is asking the regents to articulate their concerns about DEI or asserting our institutional commitment to these values,” Modrak wrote.
Modrak shared the final draft of her letter with University President Santa Ono, whose response she included in the version she sent to the Faculty Senate.
“Regardless of the outcome of today’s discussions, I want to assure you that I affirm my staunch support for the core values at the University of Michigan,” Ono’s response read. “These values are at the heart of everything we do as a university. They make us stronger together, and will continue to be at the foundation of all that we aspire, pursue and achieve.”
Ono has not commented publicly on the allegations that the Board met to discuss potential cuts to DEI.
When asked for comment on the matter, University spokesperson Colleen Mastony referred The Michigan Daily to a Nov. 27 message from University Provost Laurie McCauley in which she denied claims that the University is considering fully defunding DEI programs.
Tabbye Chavous, the University’s vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, provided a written statement on the benefits of DEI to The Daily on Dec. 3. In it, she highlighted strides the University’s DEI plan has made in enrollment rates among first-generation college students and students of Color. She also addressed students who have concerns about the future of DEI.
“Many current students reading this article may have never experienced
What is the role of transparency and public discourse in decision-making processes regarding university funding allocations, particularly for programs like DEI?
## University of Michigan DEI: Funding in Jeopardy?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a concerning development at the University of Michigan. Rumors are swirling about a closed-door meeting held by the Board of Regents regarding the fate of the University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program. Joining me today is Professor Alex Reed, an expert on higher education policy and a vocal advocate for DEI initiatives. Professor, thanks for joining us.
**Professor:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Can you tell us what we know about this meeting and why it’s causing such alarm?
**Professor:** Sure, according to a letter from Faculty Senate Chair Rebekah Modrak, multiple sources have confirmed that the Board of Regents held a private meeting to discuss the future of the DEI program, including the possibility of completely defunding it [[1](https://odei.umich.edu/)]. Modrak expressed deep concern that the Regents may be making decisions without fully understanding the complexities and successes of DEI initiatives.
**Host:** This is really surprising given the widespread recognition of DEI’s importance in academia. Is there a legitimate reason why the Regents might consider defunding such a program?
**Professor:** The letter suggests that the Regents lack understanding about what DEI actually entails. They seem to have dismissed the vast body of evidence demonstrating its positive impact on campus climate, student success, and academic excellence. There’s a concern that decisions are being driven by political pressure rather than data and research.
**Host:** What are the potential consequences if DEI funding is cut at the University of Michigan?
**Professor:** The repercussions would be significant. It could undermine decades of progress towards creating a more inclusive and equitable campus for students, faculty, and staff. We could see a decline in the recruitment and retention of diverse talent, hinder interdisciplinary collaboration, and ultimately damage the University’s reputation.
**Host:** What’s the next step?
**Professor:** Faculty, students, and community members are mobilizing, demanding transparency from the Regent’s Board. It’s crucial for the University leadership to engage in open dialog with the community and highlight the invaluable role DEI plays in fulfilling the University’s mission.
**Host:** Thank you, Professor, for shedding light on this critical issue. This is a story we will continue to follow closely.
