Some Michigan students express concern over the university's decision to eliminate diversity statements: 'Concerned'

The University of Michigan students were dismayed when the administration discontinued diversity statements in their recruitment processes.

Jasmine, a freshman from Fort Wayne, Indiana, told Planet Chronicle Digital that the word DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) often raises controversy due to how some people use it differently.

The art and design major stated, "Although it's important to ensure that minorities are visible on campus, it's equally important not to limit opportunities based on race."

The decision of Provost Laurie McCauley was based on the recommendations of an "8-member faculty working group" that she appointed to investigate the use of diversity statements in faculty hiring and promotion at U-M and other institutions, and to provide a recommendation.

Ben, a graduate student, stated that he believes there should be precautions to prompt people to consider societal problems that persist.

If there is no larger body advocating for school integration, it wouldn't have occurred everywhere.

Schnaede, a theater and cognitive science major, expressed concern.

"The sophomore stated that the decision about whether DEI is effective should be made by the entire U-Mich community, including faculty, students, and staff, rather than just the regents. In their opinion, it is not a positive idea."

The University of Michigan Board of Regents, with a 6-2 Democratic majority, has discussed the future of the bureaucracy associated with DEI initiatives at the university.

Michael, a data science engineer and sophomore, stated that it was a bit sad and emphasized the importance of addressing DEI.

Joseph, a senior architecture student, praised the removal of diversity statements in hiring practices at his university, stating that it is "great" on Planet Chronicle Digital.

He stated that it wasn't necessary.

"Students are already great as they are, and there's no need for selection based on race, gender, or any other criteria. We are all unique students," he stated.

"Evan, a double major in economics and film, television, and media, said, "I can relate to it because I have learning disabilities and I'm not sure if I fully deserved to come here.""

He wondered if his disabilities gave him an advantage over others.

While Black students at UM previously criticized their school's DEI initiatives, as reported by the New York Times, they now view UM's DEI efforts as a failure. One student described UM's diversity efforts as "superficial" and felt that the institution betrayed a general discomfort with naming Blackness explicitly.

"Joseph, a Black UM student, reacted to the call of DEI as "superficial" by saying, "I agree with that.""

He stated that the policy is not based on students' merits but rather on their appearance or other factors, which does not accurately represent them.

The Black Student Union speaker, Princess-J’Maria Mboup, stated to the Times that "marginalized communities are invested in the work of DEI but not in DEI itself."

"Ben responded to Planet Chronicle Digital, stating, "I believe it makes sense, but many would agree that removing or defunding anything from the community is not beneficial.""

Jasmine, who desires to contribute to DEI initiatives on campus, responded to Black students' remarks in the Times. She admitted that, as a freshman, she feels inadequate to discuss the school's DEI programs.

Jasmine stated that she has not had much interaction with the school's DEI programs, to her knowledge.

Whether future students would feel included at the university after the diversity statement was removed was addressed by UM students.

Jasmine stated that their level of inclusiveness is unlikely to change significantly, as they are already likely to be inclusive.

"The wording is constantly changing, but what matters most is the experience in the future, which will ultimately determine the outcome."