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To: University of Michigan President Santa Ono
ALUMNI REJECT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN'S DECISION TO ROLLBACK DEI
Dear President Ono,
I am profoundly disappointed and concerned about your and other of the top officials at the University of Michigan's recent decision to close its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices and discontinue the DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan. This action, which has been taken in response to federal threats to withdraw funding from the University, represents a significant retreat from the university's longstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment. The University of Michigan’s commitment to DEI was something I was not only proud of as a student and alum, but also a factor that contributed to my decision to attend the University of Michigan. Now, I am extremely embarrassed to be an alum of the University of Michigan.
I reject the bullying and authoritarian tactics of the current presidential administration. By giving in to these kinds of demands made by the current federal administration, the University of Michigan is not just sacrificing its own integrity—it is granting more power to those who seek to dismantle the very principles of academic freedom and inclusivity. History has shown us the dire consequences of such compliance. In 1933, academics and universities were among the first targets of the Nazi Party’s oppressive policies. Is the University of Michigan prepared to repeat that history by allowing an extremist government to dictate its values and policies?
The timing of this announcement, coming just days after Giving Blueday on March 19, 2025—a campaign that saw over 11,000 donors contribute more than $4.6 million—is particularly troubling. Many alumni participated in this fundraising campaign this year under the belief that our contributions would continue to support initiatives aligned with the university's core values, including diversity and inclusion. To learn exactly one week later that the administration has chosen to dismantle vital DEI programs feels sneaky and deceptive, and it undermines the trust that donors place in the University of Michigan.
As an alum, I have always taken pride in the University of Michigan's role as leaders and the best. The university has reliably promoted diversity and fostered a welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The decision to eliminate these offices not only destroys that legacy but also raises concerns about the university's future direction and its commitment to supporting underrepresented communities in all positions on campus.
I urge you and the university's leadership to reverse this course of action. It is not too late. At this juncture, I, along with countless alumni, students, staff, and faculty, would still be willing to engage in transparent dialogue with the university about how we can collectively uphold the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that have long been central to the University of Michigan's mission.
Why is this important?
This decision to close its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices and discontinue the DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan should concern not just University of Michigan students, faculty, and alumni, but anyone who values higher education, diversity, and academic freedom. Here’s why:
- It Sets a Dangerous Precedent – If a leading public university like Michigan backs down under federal pressure, other institutions may follow, leading to a nationwide rollback of DEI initiatives. This weakens higher education's ability to support historically marginalized groups.
- It Empowers Authoritarian Tactics – By complying with political intimidation, Michigan signals that academic institutions can be bullied into abandoning their core values. This emboldens those who want to dismantle equity efforts, making it easier for future attacks on universities, faculty, and students.
- It Hurts Students and Faculty – DEI programs provide crucial resources, mentorship, and protections for underrepresented students and faculty. Removing them makes campuses less inclusive and more hostile for many communities.
- It Undermines Academic Freedom – Universities should be spaces for critical thought, debate, and progress. Allowing government overreach to dictate educational policy threatens the independence of institutions dedicated to truth and scholarship.
- It Echoes Historical Patterns of Suppression – Historically, authoritarian regimes have targeted universities first, recognizing their role in shaping society and challenging oppressive ideologies. This decision mirrors past moments where institutions either resisted or enabled such takeovers.
People should be paying attention because what happens at Michigan could happen elsewhere—and the consequences extend far beyond one campus.
How it will be delivered
Email and mail to the President's Office
Email and mail to the Board of Regents