Overview

• The University of Michigan officially closed its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and discontinued its DEI 2.0 strategic plan on March 27, 2025.
• The decision follows executive orders by President Trump and a February 2025 funding warning from the Department of Education targeting DEI programs.
• University leadership announced plans to reallocate resources to student-facing initiatives, including expanded financial aid, mental health support, and cultural programs.
• Since launching its DEI program in 2016, the university invested over $250 million and saw increases in first-generation and low-income student enrollment, but the program faced criticism for its inclusivity and effectiveness.
• The closure has drawn polarized reactions, with supporters citing a return to merit-based practices and critics warning of setbacks to equity and inclusion efforts in higher education.