To the University Community,
Earlier today an e-mail was sent to our campus community outlining our commitment to the next phase of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the University of Michigan.
In our effort to communicate our commitment to advancing numerous DEI efforts, and the dismantling of antisemitism efforts, we clearly misstated our intentions and inadvertently suggested that we support antisemitism. That is the exact opposite of our intent. Thus, I want to make our intention clear:
The University of Michigan remains vigilant and actively engaged in dismantling antisemitism through our new and ongoing commitments to our DEI work.
On a personal level, I would like to apologize to all members of our community for this error and for the harm it has caused. As Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Michigan, my personal and professional commitments to the dismantling of oppression and discrimination in all forms including antisemitism are at the core of who I strive to be.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Sellers
**correct version/language**
To the University Community,
As the University of Michigan recently concluded its initial five-year DEI strategic plan (DEI 1.0), I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made, but acknowledge there is still much work to be done.
If we are to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive University, we must continue our journey and renew our commitment to this work, which includes the advancement of anti-racism, anti-ableism, gender equity, dismantling antisemitism, and building a climate resistant to sexual misconduct.
This week, we launched a transitional webpage that provides information and a timeline of activities that will assist and engage our entire community in this renewed commitment. The new webpage outlines information related to the progress of our evaluation period, which spans the 2021-22 academic year. These efforts have, and will continue to help identify what has worked, what can be improved, and what remains unaddressed.
In the 2022-23 academic year, our DEI planning efforts will rely on the input and engagement of our community to build out a more strategic, focused and impactful DEI plan. In fall 2023, U-M will officially launch the next DEI strategic plan. Throughout our nearly two-year transition process, we will remain vigilant in our commitment to DEI as a community
One of our first efforts in this transition is a series of Community Conversations events with students, faculty and staff members. These events will provide our community an opportunity to share ideas and provide input on our DEI efforts moving forward. Participation, feedback, and input from our entire community will be essential to the success of our next DEI strategic planning effort.
Beginning the week of March 14, U-M students will receive information on how they can participate in these events. Community Conversations events for faculty and staff will be announced soon, which will include dates in May.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive University. I look forward to seeing you at future events as we evaluate DEI 1.0 and plan the next steps of our journey to DEI 2.0. If you have any questions please contact diversitymatters@umich.edu.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Sellers
Vice Provost for Equity and Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer
Charles D. Moody Collegiate Professor of Psychology and Education