Defending DEI: Rejecting the Weaponization of Black Student Voices

By now, many have read the New York Times article critically examining the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the University of Michigan. The article claims that despite significant investment—nearly a quarter of a billion dollars since 2016—DEI efforts have fallen short of expectations. This criticism has since been echoed in other media outlets, using Black student frustrations to question the value of DEI initiatives.

As a double alum of the University of Michigan and the current Provost at Western Michigan University (WMU), I find this tactic deeply troubling. Kevin Cokley has argued in Diverse: Issues In Higher Education that Black students’ legitimate critiques of institutional efforts to address systemic barriers are being weaponized by individuals and organizations with no genuine interest in advancing equity. These critics aren’t proposing solutions; instead, they aim to dismantle the very initiatives designed to support marginalized students.

At WMU, we take these critiques seriously—not as a reason to abandon DEI, but as an opportunity to do better. This year, I’m proud to share that we’ve increased our Black first year student enrollment by 26% and have modestly improved Black first year student retention rates by 1% over the past few years. These achievements reflect intentional, theory-driven strategies focused on removing systemic barriers, creating pathways for success, and seeking to foster an inclusive campus culture.

DEI: A Call to Action, Not an Excuse to Divide

It’s important to understand the context behind Black students’ frustrations. Their critiques reflect a broader reality: U.S. institutions, including universities, were not historically designed with Black people’s success in mind. DEI efforts, while impactful, cannot singlehandedly undo centuries of systemic racism and anti-Blackness.

Tabbye Chavous has argued recently in the Michigan Chronicle that The New York Times article failed to contextualize the challenges institutions like the University of Michigan face, including Proposal 2, which banned affirmative action in admissions decisions. Despite this, Michigan created innovative programs like Wolverine Pathways, aimed at breaking down barriers for students from under-resourced communities. While progress has been slow, these efforts reflect the uphill battle DEI initiatives face in addressing deeply entrenched inequities.

As a proud alum of Michigan, I know firsthand the power of transformative education. Institutions like the University of Michigan must continue to lead in DEI efforts—not just for the benefit of their students, but for the broader example they set in higher education.

At WMU, we’ve seen how sustained commitment to DEI can yield results. Our recruitment strategies include mentorship programs, partnerships with urban high schools, community-focused initiatives and big data combined with people power. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Our goal isn’t just to increase enrollment, retention and graduation rates—it’s to ensure that every student feels supported, valued, and equipped to succeed.

Rejecting the Weaponization of Black Voices

Using Black students’ critiques to undermine DEI is a cynical and harmful tactic. It seeks to divide the very communities that DEI is meant to serve, pitting students against the faculty, staff, and leaders who advocate for them. This approach isn’t about addressing strucutural inequities; it’s about dismantling efforts to correct them.

We must reject this disingenuous narrative. Black students’ voices matter. Their frustrations deserve to be heard and addressed—not twisted into arguments against the very programs designed to support their success.

A Shared Responsibility

DEI isn’t perfect, but it’s essential. It represents a commitment higher education to creating a more equitable and inclusive future in higher education where it did not exist historically. At WMU, we’ve made progress, but we know there’s more work to be done. The significant increase in Black student enrollment this year and our modest improvement in retention rates are just the beginning.

As an alum of the University of Michigan, I remain proud of its leadership in DEI and its ongoing commitment to fostering equity, even in the face of criticism. I encourage my colleagues in higher education to stay the course. The challenges for our students, faculty and staff are significant, but so are the stakes. DEI is more than a set of programs or initiatives—it’s a moral and educational imperative to ensure that everyone on our campus has the opportunity to have success.

To those who question its value: Let the results at WMU speak for themselves. And to those committed to advancing equity and access, let’s continue to fight for the success that all students, faculty and staff deserve.

#DEI #HigherEducation #EquityMatters #Leadership #ProudMichiganAlum