‘Slap in the face’: Black legislators condemn University of Michigan’s DEI cuts

LANSING, MI - Members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus are condemning the University of Michigan’s recent cuts to its DEI programs, according to a statement sent Tuesday, April 1.

State Rep. Amos O’Neal, D-Saginaw, chair of the caucus, describes the university’s decision as a “disheartening situation,” and went on to criticize the Trump administration, which, he said, is “working its hardest to whitewash” institutions, culture and history.

“As chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, I know how serious these decisions are; the impact will have major consequences on our society in the coming decades,” he said.

Last week, the University of Michigan announced the closure of its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Office for Health Equity and Inclusion and the end of its DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan.

This comes amid threats from President Donald Trump’s administration to cut federal funding over DEI programs at colleges and universities across the country. Trump contends such programs amount to illegal discrimination.

Other members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus also spoke out, including State Senator Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, who serves as first vice chairperson.

“To say I am disappointed in the University of Michigan for this decision would be an understatement,” she said.

“As a public institution, the University of Michigan benefits from millions in state dollars, and the decision to close its DEI office is a slap in the face to the taxpayers who help support university operations and the values we work so hard to promote here in our state,” she continued.

UM has a long history of promoting diversity on campus. While its efforts go back many years, it was in 2016 when UM made a visible commitment with the rollout of a DEI strategic plan to hold itself accountable to its stated goals.

Since last week, students and faculty have been speaking out and criticizing the university’s decision as it becomes one of many other institutions across the country to axe DEI programs.

State Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr., D-Ypsilanti, serves as secretary for the caucus. He believes people should be “celebrating” diversity and bringing equity to institutions at this time.

“From dissolving the Department of Education to the uptick on squashing dissenting voices, now to this with DEI offices — it’s too much and it’s not right,” he said. “This perpetual hate tears people and progress down.”

State Rep. Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit, said UM’s decision is not just “disappointing” but “harmful” for many students who rely on DEI-supported resources.

“This move directly impacts underrepresented students who bank on these initiatives, making higher education less accessible and equitable,” he said.

It is unclear how many jobs will be impacted with the recent decision, but officials said UM plans to shift its resources to increase investments in “student-facing programs,” like financial aid, mental health resources and pre-professional counseling in the coming months.

Other state representatives like Tonya Myers Philips, D-Detroit, said this decision isn’t just a policy shift for UM, but is a “direct blow” to students who rely on DEI efforts.

“Students are the ones paying the price for this decision. Scholarships are disappearing, support programs are being dismantled, and resources that helped many navigate college are gone. As a University of Michigan alum, I’m heartbroken and disappointed,” she said.

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