A program designed to promote inclusion on campus has been found to create division and conflict, according to a New York Times investigation. The University of Michigan has invested more than $250 million into the initiative in recent years.
The Times found that Black enrollment is stagnating at just 5%, while complaints of harassment have skyrocketed, raising questions about the effectiveness of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) division. Despite the school’s investment, Black student enrollment remains low compared to the 14% of Black residents in Michigan.
The university’s DEI office received more than 500 complaints last year related to race, gender and sexual misconduct, compared to 200 complaints in 2015. Campus surveys show that students and faculty report feeling less included, and the Times found that students are less likely to engage with peers from different racial, religious, or political backgrounds.
While institutions like MIT and Harvard have begun to reassess their DEI policies — such as removing requirements for diversity statements from new hires — the University of Michigan remains committed to these practices, including DEI statements from staff.
According to the Times, the DEI initiative faced its most significant test following the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas in Israel. The protests that erupted on campus led to an increase in harassment and discrimination complaints. A federal investigation found that Michigan inadequately addressed these complaints, particularly those involving allegations of antisemitism.