Colleges Cut Diversity Initiatives, Leaving Students of Color Feeling Nostalgic for Progress

As U.S. colleges retract diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under Trump administration pressure, students of color worry about losing vital support systems, heightening fears of isolation in predominantly white settings. The University of Michigan recently dissolved its DEI office and canceled key inclusion strategies, alarming students like Breeana-Iris Rosario. Compliance with federal directives has led to DEI cuts, potentially impacting retention rates among underrepresented groups, as experts warn that these changes could hinder overall graduation success. Without these resources, students struggle to forge essential community connections.