University of Michigan Students and Faculty Protest Rollback of Diversity and Inclusion Programs

On Thursday, University of Michigan faculty and students gathered at the Diag on campus for a rally against the university’s decision to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This action has drawn significant criticism, particularly after the university's announcement to terminate the visas of nearly two dozen international students and graduates without clear explanations. Rally organizers from the University of Michigan Black Student Union highlighted a drastic change in campus culture, expressing fears that the university is reverting to a less inclusive environment. Black Student Union Speaker Princess J'Maria Mboup emphasized that DEI initiatives had successfully increased Black enrollment and fostered an environment of inclusiveness. Meanwhile, comments from student representatives such as Hayden Rometty from the College Republicans framed the visa terminations as a minor issue while advocating for reallocating DEI funding toward mental health and financial aid resources instead. The closure of these programs has been characterized as a reaction to federal directives under the Trump administration aimed at dismantling DEI efforts across universities. Critics argue that this move undermines decades of activism and progress, with many articulating that it signals a retreat from the university's commitment to diversity principles. Additional commentary from faculty members and students suggests that the university's decision may not reflect the desires of the broader campus community; rather, it reveals underlying tensions between administrative decisions and student advocacy. As protests continue, students express determination to persist in their activism, arguing that the rollback constitutes a direct threat to the diversity and inclusiveness of their educational environment.