University of Michigan Retains DEI Staff and Initiatives Under New Names
Despite announcing the closure of various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices in 2025 to comply with the Trump administration's crackdown, the University of Michigan has largely maintained its DEI infrastructure. A new report by Mark J. Perry, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, reveals that the majority of the university's DEI staff remain employed. The analysis suggests that rather than eliminating these programs, the institution has engaged in extensive rebranding efforts. DEI initiatives have been repackaged, reimagined, and assigned revised job titles to circumvent political pressure while preserving their core functions. This finding indicates that the university's commitment to DEI principles persists, albeit under different nomenclature. The report highlights a discrepancy between the public announcement of shutting down specific departments and the operational reality where personnel and programs continue to exist. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between federal political mandates and institutional practices in higher education regarding diversity initiatives. The article serves as a critical examination of how academic institutions adapt to shifting political landscapes without necessarily abandoning their established ideological frameworks.
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University of Michigan Retains DEI Staff and Initiatives Under New Names
Despite announcing the closure of various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices in 2025 to comply with the Trump administration's crackdown, the University of Michigan has largely maintained its DEI infrastructure. A new report by Mark J. Perry, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, reveals that the majority of the university's DEI staff remain employed. The analysis suggests that rather than eliminating these programs, the institution has engaged in extensive rebranding efforts. DEI initiatives have been repackaged, reimagined, and assigned revised job titles to circumvent political pressure while preserving their core functions. This finding indicates that the university's commitment to DEI principles persists, albeit under different nomenclature. The report highlights a discrepancy between the public announcement of shutting down specific departments and the operational reality where personnel and programs continue to exist. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between federal political mandates and institutional practices in higher education regarding diversity initiatives. The article serves as a critical examination of how academic institutions adapt to shifting political landscapes without necessarily abandoning their established ideological frameworks.
nationalreview