University of Michigan Students Lose Scholarships as DEI Programs Roll Back
The University of Michigan’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is already sending shockwaves through campus, with students losing scholarships, mentorship, and critical support systems mid-semester.
On March 20, the university’s alumni association abruptly shut down the LEAD Scholars program—a merit-based scholarship designed to support underrepresented students—leaving both students and alumni blindsided, as reported by journalist Philip Lewis.
“I was in class when my roommate texted me. She said, ‘They ended the LEAD Scholars program. I’m literally about to lose my mind,’” said Imani, a junior who relied on the scholarship to afford college. Lewis notes that the student’s name had been changed to protect them from future retaliation as they continue to seek out financial assistance. “My heart dropped,” she added.
The LEAD Scholars program had provided merit-based, need-informed scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year. Since 2008, it has supported nearly 900 students—many of them first-generation college attendees—with not just financial aid but community programming, mentorship, and academic resources. Imani, who was raised in Detroit, said the program made attending U-M possible.
“I don’t come from wealth. I was born and raised in Detroit,” she continued. “Ending the program puts a burden on individuals who don’t have it like most of the wealthy people here at U of M.”
The alumni association attributed the shutdown to “legal compliance,” citing a need to align with current laws as the university faces a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The probe is looking into allegations that U-M’s graduate programs were engaging in race-exclusionary practices.
This change comes amid a broader conservative push to dismantle DEI across college campuses. President Donald Trump, who has made cutting DEI a key part of his political platform, recently pledged to eliminate all DEI offices in higher education “on day one” if reelected. His political allies have argued that DEI efforts amount to “reverse discrimination” and have pressured schools to walk back inclusive policies.
While the University of Michigan hasn’t formally dismantled its central DEI office, staff and students worry that the alumni association’s decision may be a testing ground. “It feels like this is just the first domino to fall,” said a U-M staffer. “Someone said, ‘Let’s see what happens if we get rid of this program… what else will they do?’”
