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 KOTA KINABALU: Every year, Hari Raya is a heartfelt reminder for this Sandakan family that love and family transcend all cultural and religious boundaries.
 
 
 "Despite our varied religious beliefs or cultural origins, once someone becomes part of the family, these distinctions should not create divisions among us," stated Penny Sopiah Jimi, who identifies as a Christian. Her daughter, Aaliyah Abdullah, wedded a Muslim over ten years ago.
 
 
 A mother's affection has no limits.
 
 
 As a mom and grandma, participating in these festivities is how I pay tribute to my children, grandchildren, as well as my sons- and daughters-in-law.
 
 
 "It also assists me in teaching my grandchildren about the significance of respecting diversity in religion and culture," stated Penny, who is 63 years old.
 
 
 Despite coming from various backgrounds, her family members come together at their Sandakan residence to celebrate the festival filled with warmth, love, and mutual respect.
 
 
 Aaliyah, who works as a schoolteacher, converted to Islam 14 years ago.
 
 
 Initially, Wendy Chong, who is of Sino-Kadazan descent, felt some discomfort when observing Hari Raya, even though she was accustomed to festivities like Chinese New Year, Kaamatan, and Christmas.
 
 
 "Reflecting on my initial Eid celebration 14 years ago, I remember feeling quite uneasy, particularly with regards to specific customs and rituals," she reminisced.
 
 
 Even though she faced early difficulties, the steadfast backing from her relatives smoothed her changeover and has rendered every yearly festivity even more meaningful with time.
 
 
 "I am immensely grateful because not only did my parents and brothers sisters embrace me completely, but they also enthusiastically joined us in celebrating Hari Raya and even Hari Raya Haji with my family," stated Aaliyah, aged 39, who has three kids.
 
 
 She mentioned that their family customs involve sorting festive cookies as a group, giving out duit raya, and coming together to break the fast during Ramadan — activities they've been doing regularly for almost ten years now.
 
 
 My brothers and sisters would go out of their way to purchase special gifts for my mother-in-law or send seasonal treats to their cousins, even though they reside in separate districts.
 
 
 "These little acts strengthen our connections and fill me with immense gratitude," she stated.
 
 
 Her husband Roslan Bakhtiar, who works for himself at 39 years old, showed appreciation for the backing he received from Aaliyah’s clan during Hari Raya. This occasion merges Islamic traditions with Bugis customs.
 
 
 "I really value how her family reliably shows up for us each year. As a result, I ensure that my family takes an active part in their celebrations, such as Chinese New Year and Kaamatan," he mentioned.
 
 
 He commended Aaliyah’s commitment to adopting a new religion and way of life, personally observing the efforts she made to embrace customs foreign to her.
 
 
 "I noticed that my spouse faced some initial difficulties, but I made sure I was always available to provide support," stated Roslan.
 
 
 She never uttered a single complaint, not even during her initial month of fasting.

Diversity Strengthens This Sandakan Family

Unknown community, culture, diversity, family relationships and dynamics, food culture

KOTA KINABALU: Every year, Hari Raya is a heartfelt reminder for this Sandakan family that love and family transcend all cultural and religious boundaries. "Despite our varied religious bel…

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 The University of Michigan is shutting down its operations.
 Office of Inclusivity, Equality and Diversity
 , a significant step back for an institution that has consistently promoted its progressive principles following executive orders
 President Donald Trump
 those that have implemented comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the country.


 University President Santa Ono notified staff members via a declaration published on the institution’s webpage.


 As announced in the statement signed by Ono, Provost Laurie McCauley, Marschall Runge, the executive vice president of medical affairs, and Executive Vice President Geoffrey Chatas, both the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI) will be shutting down," stated the institution. "Services within ODEI that cater specifically to students will transition into various departments dedicated to enhancing student accessibility and opportunities.

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 Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all the essential news directly in your mailbox every morning.
 
 
 
 The statement continued as follows: "The DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan, which serves as an overarching strategy for schools, colleges, and units, will be terminated, alongside the DEI 2.0 unit plans, associated programs, progress tracking, education initiatives, and financial support. The individuals who have been driving DEI endeavors within these institutions will redirect their complete focus towards fulfilling their primary duties."
 
 
 The choice faced swift criticism from a faculty member at the institution.
 
 
 The federal government is committed to restructuring and regulating higher education with the aim of making our academic institutions more standardized, less equitable, and more selective," wrote Rebekah Modrak, who chairs the Faculty Senate, in an email to her colleagues regarding the decision. "By leveraging governmental authority, they intend to orchestrate a broad cultural shift toward white supremacy. Sadly, it appears that the leadership at the University of Michigan is intent on adhering to these directives and assisting in their self-destruction.
 
 
 
 
 More:
 
 Many schools are under scrutiny from the Trump administration due to allegations of 'racial preferences.'
 
 
 
 Modrak, who teaches art and design, asked fellow professors to join an urgent Zoom conference at 12 PM on Friday to address the issue. According to her, this choice jeopardizes academic liberty.
 
 
 "The mistakes made by our university won’t stop now; they will result in the censoring of course and program materials, just as we’ve seen happen in Texas and Ohio," she stated.
 
 
 The number of potential job losses due to the university's choice remains uncertain. However, Provost McCauley informed employees via email that this move takes place against a backdrop heightened oversight of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within academia, influenced by recent federal directives, court rulings, and advisories.
 
 
 She mentioned that these modifications would impact multiple esteemed coworkers, who have already received notifications. Although I am unable to disclose detailed information due to my commitment to respecting the privacy of those impacted colleagues, rest assured that we are dedicated to offering necessary support and resources to assist these team members through this challenging period of change."
 
 
 She mentioned that certain initiatives aimed at fostering a varied campus environment will stay the same.
 
 
 “But you should be aware that every effort put forth by our ODEI team members will leave an enduring impact,” she stated. “They’ve played a role in reshaping our culture and altering the perspective through which we view one another.” She continued, “These coworkers have ignited flames within our societies that people will continue nurturing regardless of shifts in circumstances, so long as inequity and unfairness persist.”
 
 <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 Historical perspective on investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion
 </h2>
 
 Michigan has made significant investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in recent years.
 
 
 In 2016, the institution declared an $85 million investment.
 strategic plan
 intended to increase diversity. As of last year, the institution had invested over $250 million in these initiatives, as revealed by an investigation conducted by
 The New York Times
 .
 
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 The DEI office states on their website that they "oversee and support numerous campus-wide programs and establish policies at an organizational level aimed at attracting and retaining a highly diversified group of students, teachers, and personnel."
 
 
 It presently encompasses a Center for Educational Outreach, the National Center for Institutional Diversity, the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, and Wolverine Pathways—a program designed to assist students in grades 7 through 12 from traditionally underserved schools.
 
 
 Even with these initiatives, the school continues to face challenges in increasing the enrollment of college students from underrepresented minority groups, particularly Black students.
 
 
 In 2022, only 4.5% of its undergraduates were part of that group.
 identified as Black
 within a state where approximately
 14% of the population
 is Black.
 
 
 
 
 More:
 
 The Trump administration issued an ultimatum to schools regarding DEI initiatives – but later revised their stance.
 
 
 
 The school has tried to increase enrollment from underrepresented groups through methods not explicitly based on race, such as broadening the "
 Go Blue Guarantee
 which offers free tuition for in-state students whose households earn up to $125,000 annually and have assets totaling up to $125,000.
 
 
 The former income limit was set at $75,000.
 
 
 As part of the announcement made on Thursday, the school
 reiterated its commitment
 To "cultivate a setting where each member of our community feels valued and supported, and their varied backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences are respected."
 
 
 Along with the Go Blue Guarantee, it was mentioned that they would improve mental health resources for students and broaden the
 Blavins Scholars
 The program provides mentorship to students who lack parental support and those raised in foster care or kinship care environments.
 
 
 The institution mentioned that it intends to enhance counseling services, provide more tutoring, and increase initiatives aimed at making students feel like they belong.
 
 
 "The institution remains dedicated to sustaining essential student areas such as the Trotter Multicultural Center, the Spectrum Center, and several multicultural spaces within dormitories, all of which are accessible to every student," the school stated.
 
 
 Regent Jordan Acker stated that the institution continues to be dedicated to maintaining a varied student body, and this change aims to enhance the effectiveness of the school’s diversity initiatives.
 
 
 In recent years, the university has invested $250 million in diversity initiatives; however, the number of minority students at U-M hasn’t significantly increased—moreover, much of this funding has been allocated to administrative costs rather than student recruitment,” Acker stated. “For the University of Michigan, our diversity efforts should prioritize substantive changes over bureaucratic processes.
 
 <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading">
 Applause and reproach
 </h2>
 
 In
 A statement published on Twitter
 , Regent Sarah Hubbard expressed her approval of the decision.
 
 
 “We are reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and enhancing accessibility for everyone in Michigan,” she stated. “By discontinuing DEI initiatives, we can improve the diversity of ideas and promote greater freedom of expression on our campus.”
 
 
 U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib from Detroit criticized the decision vehemently.
 
 
 Students at the University of Michigan deserve an administration that will stand up for their rights and strive to guarantee that every individual has the chance to flourish, rather than giving in and surrendering to pressure.
 Trump
 "attacks on academic liberty and students' constitutional rights," she stated in a release.
 
 
 The decision to shut down the DEI office represents the most recent adjustment in the institution's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
 
 
 In December, the university declared it would cease soliciting.
 diversity statements
 from prospective faculty members.
 
 
 Additionally, in December, the institution initiated an investigation.
 backlash from faculty
 When they dismissed Rachel Dawson, who led the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, due to allegations that she made antisemitic comments.
 
 
 Last week, the University of Michigan Alumni Association concluded its
 LEAD Scholarship program
 , with the aim of increasing minority participation on campus.
 
 
 Reach out to John Wisely at jwisely@freepress.com. You can also find him on X:@jwisely
 .
 
 
 The article initially appeared in the Detroit Free Press.
 The University of Michigan, a long-standing advocate for progressive principles, plans to shut down its DEI office.
 
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University of Michigan to Shut Down Longstanding DEI Office, Defying Progressive Values

Unknown business, colleges and universities, diversity, higher education, news

The University of Michigan is shutting down its operations. Office of Inclusivity, Equality and Diversity , a significant step back for an institution that has consistently promoted its progressiv…