The University of Michigan (UM) announced Thursday that it will abandon its diversity statement in hiring, promotion, and tenure decisions after apparent pressure from faculty.
An eight-member faculty working group established by President Rory McCauley reasoned that requiring a diversity statement “could limit freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus.” and proposed this change. According to To the press release from the university. McCauley maintained that UM remains committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are three core values of the university,” McCauley said in a statement. “Our joint efforts in this field have led to important advances in creating opportunities for all people.As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we are committed to improving our approach. We will continue to improve it.”
Students walk on the University of Michigan campus on January 17, 2003 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Bill Priano/Getty Images)
The announcement comes on the same day the university's Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on whether to eliminate or restructure its multimillion-dollar DEI program. University DEI has come under heavy criticism after it emerged that the program may be contributing to tensions in race relations on campus. (Related: America's largest and most expensive DEI program is on the verge of flames)
The task force surveyed approximately 2,000 faculty members and reviewed literature and policies from other institutions before reaching its conclusion, according to the announcement.
“Those who criticize diversity statements perceive them as expressions of individual identity characteristics, endorsement of particular ideologies, or opinions on social issues, making faculty views politically acceptable. “It serves as a 'litmus test' as to whether or not the That report, according to a university news release. “Thus, as currently enacted, diversity statements may limit perspectives and reduce diversity of thought among faculty.”
The University of Michigan did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
All content produced by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent, nonpartisan news distribution service, is available free of charge to legitimate news publishers with large audiences. All republished articles must include our logo, reporter byline, and DCNF affiliation. If you have any questions about our guidelines or our partnership, please contact us at licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
