I remain stunned and saddened by last Thursday’s announcement that the University of Michigan will immediately cut campus-wide diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. This decision is at odds with, if not completely contradictory to, the values I was taught at Michigan 40 years ago, that my daughter was taught at Michigan a decade ago, and that I have observed from Michigan as a faith leader in Michigan for the last 12 years.
I acknowledge that I am largely uninformed about the issues the University of Michigan faces and did not participate in the thoughtful discussion that resulted in this decision. Therefore, I write not so much to second-guess as to express my concern that, in my experience, compliance, conformity, collaboration, and conciliation as strategies for dealing with those who seek to undermine or change our values always yield further demands and greater consequences. I therefore hope that, as part of the thoughtful discussion that resulted in these decisions, the Board of Regents and university leadership determined the line in the sand that the University will not cross. I also hope that, as part of the thoughtful discussion that led to this decision, leadership factored in both recognition that Michigan is a national and global leader and that this decision will impact people’s lives on campus, throughout our nation, and around the world. Finally, as a former professor, I am genuinely concerned about the specter of the censorship of course and program content that has suddenly appeared, looming over teaching and learning at the University of Michigan.
These are challenging times for any who endeavor to lead in any quarter of society, particularly those seeking to celebrate diversity, address inequality, and strive for greater and greater inclusion. While these values are grounded in my faith, they were nurtured by my experience at Michigan. I ask God to grant you the strength and courage to work to preserve them.
Sincerely,
The Reverend Craig Alan Satterlee, Ph.D., Bishop