University of Michigan ends minority scholarship program

The University of Michigan Alumni Association is ending its LEAD Scholars program, which supported minority students. This decision came as part of a response to new federal and state laws and recent government guidance on diversity programs. Rob Clendening, the association's vice president for marketing and communications, announced the change on March 21. He explained that the decision was made to ensure compliance with legal requirements. The LEAD program had helped nearly 900 students since its start in 2008, providing scholarships of $5,000 to $15,000. Despite the program's success, the university did not provide detailed reasons for its closure. This move occurs amid scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at universities across the nation. The discontinuation of the LEAD program follows a federal investigation into the university for alleged race-exclusionary practices. However, the LEAD program itself was not under investigation as it focused on undergraduate students. The alumni association plans to assist current LEAD students by connecting them to other resources. The funding for students already awarded scholarships this semester will not be affected. Following a statewide ban on affirmative action in 2006, the LEAD program aimed to improve enrollment for underrepresented minorities at the university. DEI programs face significant challenges this year as federal officials have cautioned institutions about potential loss of funding if they do not comply with civil rights laws.