The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in admissions, financial aid, educational programs and activities, or employment.  The University is also committed, consistent with state and federal law, to fostering an environment free of harassment that values and supports every member of our community and that honors diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

These commitments translate into the following principles, adopted by university leadership, which guide our practices across all aspects of our university mission (including on all three campuses and at Michigan Medicine):

• The University does not consider race, ethnicity, sex, or any other protected identity characteristic in determining eligibility for admission, or in evaluating or selecting among eligible applicants for admission.  The University may seek to encourage applications from individuals of varied backgrounds (geographic, economic, etc.) consistent with law by conducting informational outreach and related activities at specific schools or institutions, or in specified geographic areas, provided that such activities are clearly identified as open to all at the specified school/institution, without regard to protected identity characteristics, and no preferential admissions advantage or benefit is offered at such events. 
• University outreach, recruitment, and pathway/pipeline programs may not use race, ethnicity, sex, or any other protected identity characteristics to determine eligibility or in evaluating or selecting among eligible applicants.  Such programs may be organized around issues of particular relevance to groups or communities, or built around relationships with certain high schools or institutions, provided that all programs are consistent with legal requirements and it is clear that eligibility and selection for such programs are not based in protected identity characteristics.
• Financial aid programs, however funded, that are administered by the University may not use race, ethnicity, sex, or any other protected identity characteristic in determining a student’s financial aid eligibility or award amount, but instead rely on neutral criteria – such as financial need, academic credentials, and student leadership and engagement.
• Protected identity characteristics, including race, ethnicity, and sex, are not considered in any way with respect to any stage of the hiring process, performance evaluation, promotion, or any other aspect of employment.  University policy also precludes the use of “DEI statements” in the hiring or employee evaluation process.  Units must assess candidates and employees based on job-relevant criteria.
• Although the University may continue to collect demographic information regarding applicants for admission or employment, as well as regarding current faculty, staff, and students (and may in some cases be required to do so for federal reporting purposes), such information is not, and may not be, used to influence any individual admissions, financial aid, or employment decision. 
• University units may sponsor employee resource groups and student organizations that focus on issues of particular relevance to certain communities.  However, such groups and organizations must be both open to all who are interested, without regard to protected identity characteristics, and expressly described as such; all activities of such University-sponsored groups must likewise be open to all on the same basis.  In addition, units can provide funding/support for specific programs/activities of such groups (without sponsoring the group itself), again provided that the group as a whole, and the specific activity/program to be funded, is expressly described as open to all, without regard to protected identity characteristics. 
• All University-sponsored events must be open to all interested individuals, without regard to race, ethnicity, sex, or other protected identity characteristics.  Such events may focus on topics related to diversity, equity, or inclusion, or on issues that may be of particular interest to particular communities, including culturally themed graduation ceremonies.  Such events must be expressly described as open to all, without regard to protected identity characteristics.
• The University does not sponsor, partner with, join, or provide other institutional support for external organizations that restrict participation on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, or any other protected identity characteristic.