By now many people have read the recent article by the New York Times that critically examines the state of DEI at the University of Michigan. The primary argument made in the article is that despite having spent approximately a quarter of a billion dollars since 2016, faculty and students are not enthusiastic about Michigan’s DEI initiatives. This article prompted other criticisms against the University of Michigan’s DEI initiatives in media outlets including the New York Post and USA Today and follows other attacks. As one of the most prestigious public universities in America and a leader in promoting diversity, if DEI initiatives can be successfully reduced or eliminated at the University of Michigan, a chilling message would be sent throughout higher education and could represent the last stand for DEI at all universities.
Among the most problematic aspects of the NYT article is using the concerns of Black students to criticize the DEI efforts at the University of Michigan. Conservative outlets have weaponized Black students’ legitimate concerns about declining Black student enrollment as an indictment of the amount of money spent on DEI initiatives, as well as an overall indictment of DEI. A day after the New York Times article, a Fox News article was published titled “Black students dismiss University of Michigan’s DEI programs as ‘well-meaning failure’: Report.”
I am skeptical that highlighting Black students’ criticisms of DEI initiatives, especially by conservative critics of DEI, is based in a genuine concern about the welfare of Black students. If these critics were genuinely concerned about the issues raised by Black students they would be just as vocal in proposing solutions, but of course we do not see evidence of this. Instead, they use the age-old tactic of divide and conquer by trying to pit Black students against Black faculty and staff who are disproportionately in the roles of Chief Diversity Officers.
Read the full article on Diverse Magazine
