MARQUETTE, MI— An audit of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Northern Michigan University has resulted in only minor changes.
At a university forum Monday, President Brock Tessman said NMU has been, is, and will continue to be compliant with executive orders coming from Washington.
“That is because we have not and we do not discriminate on behalf of someone’s race, gender, sexual orientation, religious preferences. And that’s true across our policies, it’s true across our admissions practices, our housing practices, the way things work in and outside the classroom. That is the headline. That is the bottom line, and it’s important to underscore that very definitively.”
Tessman stressed no changes will be made to any academic programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or university policies, and inclusion will remain a core value of the university.
He said some items will need to be adjusted, including the language in five donor-funded scholarships.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will become the Office of Opportunity, Empowerment and People and the Student Equity and Engagement Center will become the Center for Community and Connection. The programs within those offices are all in compliance with federal requirements and no jobs will be cut.
The NMU Board of Trustees will have to approve the name changes at its May 2 meeting.
Around $45 million out of Northern’s $180 million annual budget is connected to federal funding sources.
Tessman said though some names may change, NMU’s mission and vision will remain the same.
