WASHINGTON, D.C.: The University of Michigan, known for its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, announced this week that it is closing its DEI office.

The decision follows executive orders from President Donald Trump and a warning from the U.S. Department of Education.

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has issued orders to end DEI programs in government and businesses. In February, the Education Department warned universities that they could lose federal funding if they continued these programs.

The university stated that the decision was difficult and acknowledged that it may disappoint those who support DEI. The DEI office has been in place for nearly 10 years. The university has confirmed that the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion, will be closed. Some student support services will be relocated to other departments, and the DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan will come to a close.

Supporters argue that DEI programs benefit marginalized communities by addressing historical inequalities. Trump and his allies say that these programs are unfair and discriminate against white people and men. DEI programs have aimed to improve representation for groups such as African Americans, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and other ethnic minorities in the U.S.

DEI efforts picked up pace, including in the private sector, in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes.