UM System Cuts Funding to Identity Groups, Seeks Compliant Alternatives

0:00University of Missouri System President Manchoy just owned up to yanking dedicated funding from five identity-based student groups. He made the call himself to dodge a federal probe, like what hit Columbia University last year, with a $400 million funding freeze, and mass layoffs. This came after a July Department of Justice memo on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The university got external legal advice and figured their setup wasn't defensible, risking all Title IV funds and research grants. Choy said it was tough, but necessary to shield the whole institution. Students in those groups are feeling the squeeze now, reclassified as regular recognized organizations, among over 650 others, they can apply for up to $3,000 a year, from a shared pot, a big drop from before. Choi hinted there might be ways to bump that cap and stressed external fundraising options, plus ongoing event support, and advises for all five. Groups.

1:00The university's been proactive, ditching diversity statements and hiring back in March 2023 and axing its inclusion division this July. They're still hunting for compliant ways to back these students without inviting Department of Justice or Education's scrutiny, keeping the institution, solid, while navigating these federal pressures. That's your update from Kansas News Today, powered by AI.