I earned my master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan in 2006. It’s still one of my proudest accomplishments.
I am a less proud alumnae today. I never thought I’d see U-M withdraw its efforts to make the world a more equitable and inclusive place, which is what it has done in canceling its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
More: Decision to scrap DEI leaves U-M students and faculty scrambling to respond
I understand that the university has done this under great federal pressure and the threat of the loss of funding; what a terrible position our government is putting our universities in.
As alumni like me and millions of Americans watch our regressive new administration dismantle so much good, however, we are also looking for brave leaders to fight back. The University of Michigan is one of the most respected academic institutions in the country, and it could be using its vast and powerful platform to fight for good and decency. It should be making the case as to how the Trump administration incorrectly and in bad faith maligns DEI efforts and how equity and inclusion benefit us all.
I urge U-M to reverse course or find other avenues of resistance. The university owes this to its students, donors, and alumni. This moment calls for fortitude and dauntlessness, and our best academic institutions should be leading this fight.
Justine Carmela Galbraith
Troy
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: University of Michigan’s failure to fight for diversity makes me a less proud alum | Letter
Reporting by Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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