The University of Michigan has joined a growing number of institutions stepping back from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements. The university announced on Thursday that it will no longer ask for diversity statements during faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure processes.

This decision, effective immediately, comes after a faculty working group recommended against the use of such statements, citing concerns about potential restrictions on free speech and diversity of thought. Provost Laurie McCauley confirmed the change, stating that the university is committed to refining its approach to DEI.

While the university adopted the recommendation to discontinue diversity statements, it opted not to implement two other suggestions from the working group: integrating DEI content into other faculty statements and enhancing training related to writing and evaluating these statements.

The University of Michigan’s move reflects a national trend. Several other public universities have scaled back or eliminated DEI initiatives this year, spurred by legislative changes and internal reviews. Texas public universities, for example, have dismantled DEI offices and related positions following the enactment of Senate Bill 17. Similarly, the University of North Carolina system has redirected DEI funding towards public safety and discontinued specific programs. Other states, including Iowa and Florida, have also implemented restrictions on DEI programs in higher education.

This shift away from DEI initiatives contrasts with the Biden-Harris administration’s promotion of DEI across the federal government over the past four years. President Biden has signed executive orders aimed at integrating DEI principles into federal hiring and removing barriers to equal opportunity.

This evolving landscape surrounding DEI has prompted debate and discussion about its role in higher education and government. Some, like constitutional and civil rights attorney Devon Westhill, have criticized DEI initiatives as promoting a specific ideological agenda. This changing context suggests that the future of DEI programs will likely continue to be a subject of ongoing examination and potential reform.