On Thursday, the University of Michigan announced the closure of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, citing executive orders from President Trump and a warning from the US Department of Education. The university stated that the decision was not made lightly and acknowledged that the changes would be challenging for many who support the programs. Its DEI office was launched nearly a decade ago, as reported by Reuters.
In an email on Thursday, university leaders referenced the court-ordered enforcement of President Donald Trump’s executive orders on “restoring merit-based opportunity” and eliminating DEI programs nationwide. They also cited the “Dear Colleague” letter from the Department of Education, which threatened to revoke federal funding for universities that did not comply with these orders, as reported by Politico.
“The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion will close. Student-facing services in ODEI will shift to other offices focused on student access and opportunity,” the university president’s office said, as reported by Reuters.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has issued executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives in both the government and private sectors. In mid-February, the US Education Department warned universities that continuing DEI programs could lead to cuts in federal funding.
DEI programs have played a significant role in workplace diversity efforts, promoting fairer representation for historically marginalized groups such as African Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and other ethnic minorities in the United States. The program made Michigan a national example. Despite backlash over “critical race theory” and widespread protests related to the war in Gaza, the university had previously strengthened its DEI efforts by hiring more staff and expanding the program, as reported by Politico.
Moving forward, the university plans to increase investments in financial aid, expand scholarship programs, and enhance mental health support. Certain student multicultural spaces will remain open, ensuring continued resources for diverse communities, as reported by Politico.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with critics arguing that it undermines long-standing efforts to create inclusive educational spaces, while supporters claim it aligns with merit-based policies. As debates continue over the role of DEI initiatives in higher education, other universities may soon face similar challenges amid shifting federal policies.