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Smokers who quit for a week could save a day of their life, experts say
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In an age where health and fitness have taken center stage, the nutritional supplements brands is witnessing unprecedented growth in India. As consumers become more aware of the importance of holistic well-being, the demand for high-quality, reliable, and effective nutritional products has skyrocketed. This blog highlights the top 10 best nutritional supplements brands in India for 2025, showcasing how these brands have earned their reputation through innovation, quality, and consumer trust. The Growing Need for Nutritional Supplements in India The modern lifestyle often leads to gaps in nutritional intake due to unbalanced diets, stress, and busy schedules. Nutritional supplements bridge these gaps by providing essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients to support overall health. In 2025, Indian consumers are not only looking for effectiveness but also for transparency, sustainability, and personalization in their nutritional products. Top 10 Nutritional Supplements Brands in India for 2025 1. MuscleBlaze Known for its high-quality protein powders and fitness supplements, MuscleBlaze has become a household name among fitness enthusiasts. Its scientifically-backed formulations and rigorous quality checks make it a top choice for those seeking muscle growth and recovery. 2. Himalayan Organics Himalayan Organics stands out with its focus on natural and plant-based supplements. Offering a wide range of products, from multivitamins to omega-3 capsules, the brand appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for organic solutions. 3. Optimum Nutrition (ON) Optimum Nutrition is a global leader in the nutritional supplements industry, offering premium-quality products like Gold Standard Whey Protein. With a strong presence in India, ON caters to athletes and fitness enthusiasts aiming for top-tier performance. 4. HealthKart HealthKart is not just a brand but also a platform offering an extensive range of supplements. Its in-house products, such as HealthKart Multivitamins and Fish Oil, are trusted for their affordability and efficacy, making them accessible to a broad audience. 5. Amway Nutrilite Amway’s Nutrilite is synonymous with trust and quality. With a legacy of providing plant-based supplements, Nutrilite products are tailored to address a wide range of nutritional needs, from immunity support to energy enhancement. 6. WOW Life Science WOW Life Science focuses on innovative and natural formulations. From apple cider vinegar to biotin supplements, the brand’s portfolio resonates with consumers seeking health-focused solutions rooted in nature. 7. TrueBasics TrueBasics is a rising star in the Indian market, known for its evidence-based and clinically-tested supplements. Offering a variety of products, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, TrueBasics emphasizes quality and transparency. 8. Herbalife Nutrition Herbalife has built a loyal customer base in India with its personalized nutrition plans and meal replacement shakes. Its holistic approach to health and wellness has made it a favorite among individuals seeking weight management and energy solutions. 9. Kapiva Kapiva blends traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science to create nutritional supplements that support holistic health. Products like Kapiva Plant Protein and Herbal Juices are especially popular for their natural ingredients and efficacy. 10. GNC (General Nutrition Center) GNC is a well-established international brand offering premium nutritional supplements. From whey protein to dietary fibers, GNC products are trusted for their scientifically-proven formulations and global standards. What Sets These Brands Apart? 1. Quality and Purity Each of these brands ensures that their products meet stringent quality standards, often using natural and clinically-tested ingredients. 2. Product Diversity From protein powders to multivitamins, these nutritional supplements brands cater to varied health goals, including fitness, immunity, and overall well-being. 3. Innovative Formulations Many of these nutritional supplements brands leverage cutting-edge research and technology to develop products that align with the latest health trends. 4. Sustainability and Transparency A growing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging and clean labels appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. The Future of Nutritional Supplements in India As the market for nutritional supplements grows, Indian consumers are demanding more personalized and targeted solutions. Trends such as plant-based nutrition, clean-label products, and digital health integration are shaping the industry. Nutritional supplements brands that innovate while maintaining trust and quality will continue to dominate the market. For instance, integrating artificial intelligence to recommend supplements based on individual health data could revolutionize consumer experiences. Conclusion The top 10 best nutritional supplements brands in India for 2025 exemplify how the industry is evolving to meet consumer expectations. These nutritional supplements brands have not only built a legacy of quality and trust but also embraced innovation to stay ahead of the curve. As India’s population becomes increasingly health-conscious, the role of nutritional supplements in everyday life will only grow. Choosing the right brand can make all the difference in achieving your health and fitness goals. With reliable options like MuscleBlaze, Amway Nutrilite, and Kapiva, consumers have access to world-class products tailored to their unique needs. Take the step toward a healthier future by choosing the best nutritional supplements brand for you!
Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 https://t.co/J0ehnoRM1D pic.twitter.com/LQpUp6HJBm — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) December 27, 2024 “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at https://t.co/GyLk65o8kS or https://t.co/iW6WLxTL00 pic.twitter.com/KxPZ5N378y — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) December 27, 2024 Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”Jamie Lynn Spears’ 16-year-old daughter Maddie is all grown up and headed to college. The proud mom revealed that Maddie, 16, has committed to a Division 1 university where she plans to play softball. In an shared Nov. 25, Spears, 33, announced, “All in my feels, bc my baby girl has committed to furthering her athletic & academic career at the University of Southern Miss!” The former Nickelodeon star reflected on becoming a mom at 16 and the public criticism she faced at the time. “I can remember it like it was just yesterday, as the whole world watched and judged as I made the choice to have my baby at 16 years old,” she continued. “Fast fwd to today, and that same little baby girl is now 16 years old herself announcing that she will be going to play D1 ball for an amazing college.” The “Sweet Magnolias” star praised her daughter and said she couldn’t “take much credit” for Maddie’s accomplishments. She mentioned that her oldest child, who was involved in a , has overcome many obstacles on her own. “I did everything I could to better myself in order to be the mama she deserved, & to break those generational curses, so they weren’t passed on to her or any future generations,” Spears added. At the end of her tribute to Maddie, she expressed her love for her daughter and showed support for the University of Southern Mississippi. “I think her story is a true testament to trusting God’s will & being able to achieve whatever you’re willing to work hard for, and I couldn’t be more proud of her! Love you, Maddie,” she wrote. “GO EAGLES.” She also included white, black and gold hearts to represent the university’s colors. Beside the caption, Spears uploaded a series of childhood and current photos of Maddie. The first picture showed the 16-year-old already sporting her University of Southern Mississippi gear and wearing her softball glove. The next photo was a throwback picture of Maddie in 2017 proudly displaying a softball trophy. Other photos showed Maddie, Spears and her husband, Jamie Watson, on the university’s football field and other spots on campus. Spears also included a photo of her OK! magazine cover story when she announced Maddie’s birth. “Being a mom is the best feeling in the world,” she gushed to the publication. The actor shares Maddie with ex-fiancé Casey Aldridge. She has a 6-year-old daughter named with Watson, as well. On her Instagram story, Spears posted an adorable photo of Ivey posing in a University of Southern Mississippi T-shirt. “Go Sissy!!!!” Spears captioned the picture. Ariana Brockington is a trending news reporter at TODAY digital. She is based in Los Angeles.
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The Tennessee Titans will turn to Mason Rudolph as their starter at quarterback for a second consecutive week, despite a three-interception performance in a loss Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts. Titans head coach Brian Callahan announced the decision Tuesday after calling his starting quarterback situation a week-to-week proposition moving forward for his 3-12 team. Rudolph, who was inserted as starter Sunday in place of a struggling Will Levis, was 23-of-34 passing for 252 yards and two touchdowns, but the turnovers proved costly in a 38-30 loss at Indianapolis. Rudolph, who made three starts for an injured Levis earlier this season, has completed 63.8 percent of his passes this season in 188 attempts for 1,267 yards, eight TDs and eight interceptions. Callahan yanked Levis in the third quarter of a 37-27 loss to the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15. Levis threw for just 89 yards and three interceptions, including a pick returned for a touchdown. He also lost a fumble. Rudolph came on to complete 21 of 26 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns -- one on the final play of the game -- and an interception. Levis has thrown for 1,916 yards with 12 TDs and 12 INTs this season. He is 5-15 as a starter in his first two seasons in the NFL after he was a second-round draft pick in 2023 out of Kentucky. --Field Level MediaLiverpool continued their dream run in the English Premier League with a dominant 5-0 away win at West Ham on Sunday. Mohamed Salah displayed another remarkable performance with a goal and two assists to add another milestone to his record-laden season. The Egyptian forward now boasts 30-goal contributions in Premier League 2024-25 and Liverpool are yet to reach halfway. Salah is leading both the scoring and assists charts with 13 goals and 17 assists, and has managed to score and provide at least one goal in eight league games this season, the most by any player in the Premier League era. Salah broke Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernnandes' record for the most matches with a goal and assist. Before West Ham, the Liverpool forward has scored and assisted against Ipswich Town, Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur this season. Meanwhile, Salah also broke into the top 10 list of players with the most assists in Premier League history. He replaced the tenth-placed David Beckham with his 82nd assist during the West Ham game. He next eyes his former Liverpool players James Milner (89) and Steven Gerrard's (92) tally if he continues his form in the second half of the season. More to follow...
Share Tweet Share Share Email Games are always more exciting when played with friends, right? But what if I told you that you don’t need to download or buy anything to have hours of fun? That’s where multiplayer browser games come in! These games run directly in your browser, and all you need is an internet connection. No fancy gaming computer? No problem! Whether you’re into competitive battles or just want something light-hearted and relaxing, there’s a browser game for everyone. Platforms like Little games make it super easy to access these games. You can hop in and play with your friends in just a few clicks. Let’s dive into the 8 best free multiplayer browser games that are sure to keep you and your friends entertained for hours. 1. StopotS: A Fun Word Challenge Do you enjoy word games? Then StopotS is the perfect choice for you! In this game, players compete to come up with words that fit into specific categories (like fruits, animals, or countries) and start with a randomly chosen letter. The catch? You have to be quick! Whoever fills in all the categories first can press “STOP!” to end the round. The fun doesn’t stop there. Everyone gets to review the answers, and this often leads to lots of laughs when someone’s creative (or silly) answers come out. With custom categories and the option to create private games for friends, StopotS makes every game session unique and enjoyable. 2. Deeeep.io: The Underwater Adventure Ever wanted to explore life under the sea? Deeeep.io is a game that lets you do just that! You start as a small aquatic creature and eat your way to the top of the food chain by evolving into larger and more powerful sea animals. The game gets even better when played with friends. You can team up and form a swarm or compete to see who can evolve the fastest. With its colorful underwater world and exciting gameplay, Deeeep.io is a great choice for a chilled-out gaming session. 3. Smash Karts: Racing With Weapons Racing is fun, but what if you could race and battle at the same time? That’s exactly what Smash Karts offers. Players zoom around exciting tracks, picking up weapons like rockets and machine guns to knock out their opponents while aiming to cross the finish line. The game is fast-paced, chaotic, and full of surprises. With its easy controls and bright visuals, Smash Karts is a great option for players who love action and competition. 4. Codenames: A Game of Strategy If you’re into strategy games, you’ll love Codenames. In this game, players are divided into two teams, each led by a Spymaster. The Spymasters give one-word clues to help their teammates guess the correct words from a grid, but they must be careful to avoid the rival team’s words and the deadly assassin card. This game is all about teamwork and thinking smart. Whether you’re playing with a big group or just a few friends, Codenames is guaranteed to keep everyone engaged and on their toes. 5. BuildNow GG: Build and Battle BuildNow GG is an exciting game that mixes building and shooting. Players can build structures like walls and ramps to protect themselves while battling others. It’s like playing a creative version of a shooter game, and you can customize almost everything to suit your style. The game has different modes, including a private party mode where you can play with just your friends. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, BuildNow GG is packed with fun and action. 6. Slither.io: A Classic Snake Twist Remember the old Snake game? Slither.io takes that simple concept and turns it into a multiplayer frenzy. You control a snake that grows bigger as it eats glowing orbs. The goal? Become the largest snake on the server while avoiding collisions with other players. It’s easy to learn but hard to master, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions with friends. Plus, the colorful snakes and glowing graphics make it even more enjoyable. 7. Gartic Phone: Draw, Guess, and Laugh If you’re looking for a party game, Gartic Phone is a hilarious option. The game starts with each player writing a random phrase or prompt. Then, other players have to draw it. The catch? The drawings and guesses keep rotating, often leading to funny and completely unexpected results. With its simple tools and creative gameplay, Gartic Phone is perfect for any group of friends. It’s a great way to show off your (sometimes terrible) drawing skills and share a good laugh. 8. Skribbl.io: A Fun Drawing Challenge Do you enjoy drawing? Skribbl.io is like an online version of Pictionary. Players take turns drawing words while others try to guess what it is. The faster you guess, the more points you get! The game is super simple and doesn’t require any fancy skills — just a bit of creativity and a sense of humor. Whether you’re an artist or someone who can barely draw stick figures, Skribbl.io is a fun and easy way to connect with friends. Conclusion Multiplayer browser games are an amazing way to bond with friends without the hassle of downloads or expensive gear. Whether you’re racing in Smash Karts, strategizing in Codenames, or laughing over silly drawings in Gartic Phone, there’s something for everyone. Want to jump in? Check out Littlegames.io, where you can play all these games and more with just a click. Game nights have never been so simple or so much fun! So gather your friends, pick a game, and let the fun begin ! Related Items: 8 Best Free Multiplayer , 8 Best Free Multiplayer Browser Games Share Tweet Share Share Email CommentsNEW DELHI: The need to get back to 7-8% growth against the backdrop of global challenges, geopolitical tensions and to ensure that the country remains on track to reach developed nation status by 2047 dominated deliberations at a meeting of economists with PM Modi Tuesday. At pre-Budget consultations under the theme - 'Maintaining India's growth momentum at a time of global uncertainty' - the PM emphasised that the 2047 goal could be achieved with changes in mindset. The PM's remark came in the context of plans needed for grabbing opportunities that may open up for the country in the wake of a possible tariff war between the US and China and how India can benefit and be part of the global value chain. Economists underlined the need to step up growth and offered suggestions on a range of issues, including employment generation , skill development, raising farm productivity, attracting investment and boosting exports. Growth has slumped to a seven-quarter low of 5.4% in the July-Sept quarter of the current financial year, raising alarm among policymakers and triggering calls for a cut in interest rates. Experts stress need to step up growth The sharp slowdown in growth in the second quarter has also prompted several agencies, including RBI, to revise growth downwards. Sources said a significant part of the meeting saw experts reinforcing the need to step up growth and deepen reforms across sectors, from the farm sector to taxation reforms both on indirect and direct taxes. Economists suggested a range of reforms for the farm sector such as a robust value chain for vegetables including TOP (tomato, onion and potato). Suggestions were also made on strategies to deal with climate change and energy transition. Issues linked to trade and exports were prominently discussed, with experts suggesting several measures including faster conclusion of free trade agreements, a strategy on tariffs and internationalisation of the rupee. For creating jobs, suggestions were made to deepen vocational training and inculcating dignity of labour. An official statement issued after the meeting, which was coordinated by govt think tank Niti Aayog , said participants shared their views on several significant issues including navigating challenges posed by global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, strategies to enhance employment, particularly among youth, and create sustainable job opportunities across sectors, strategies to align education and training programmes with the evolving needs of the job market, enhancing agricultural productivity and creating sustainable rural employment opportunities, attracting private investment and mobilising public funds for infrastructure projects to boost economic growth , creating jobs and promoting financial inclusion, boosting exports and attracting foreign investment. FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Niti Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery, CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, and senior officials of the PMO and finance ministry attended the meeting. Experts who attended included Surjit S Bhalla, Ashok Gulati, Sudipto Mundle, Dharmakirti Joshi, Janmejaya Sinha, Madan Sabnavis, Amita Batra, Ridham Desai, Chetan Ghate, Bharat Ramaswami, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Siddhartha Sanyal, Laveesh Bhandari, Rajani Sinha, Keshab Das, Pritam Banerjee, Rahul Bajoria, Nikhil Gupta and Shashwat Alok. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!
Capstone's 2023 ESG Report Cover Photo "As a fast-growing company in an increasingly complex and dynamic world, our ESG program has been developed and integrated across the organization to help ensure we repeat and improve the "Capstone Way” of doing things - quality and integrity in our endeavours, protecting people and the environment, and building the value of our company,” says David Eva, Chief Executive Officer of Capstone. The release of the inaugural ESG Report highlights Capstone's dedication to its core values amidst this rapid growth: the company's ESG program defines, measures, and sets goals for key ESG factors that support our mandate to drive the energy transition forward in North America. A full copy of the 2023 ESG Report is available on Capstone's website at: https://capstoneinfrastructure.com/about/esg About Capstone Infrastructure Corporation Capstone is generating our low-carbon future, driving the energy transition forward through creative thinking, strong partnerships, and a commitment to quality and integrity in how we do business. A developer, owner, and operator of clean and renewable energy projects across North America, Capstone's portfolio includes approximately 885 MW gross installed capacity across 35 facilities, including wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and natural gas power plants. Please visit www.capstoneinfrastructure.com for more information. Notice to Readers Certain of the statements contained within this document are forward-looking and reflect management's expectations regarding the future growth, results of operations, performance and business of Capstone Infrastructure Corporation ('Capstone' or the 'Corporation') based on information currently available to the Corporation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements use forward-looking words, such as "anticipate”, "continue”, "could”, "expect”, "may”, "will”, "intend”, "estimate”, "plan”, "believe” or other similar words. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements and, accordingly, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. The forward-looking statements within this document are based on information currently available and what the Corporation currently believes are reasonable assumptions. The forward-looking statements within this document reflect current expectations of the Corporation as at the date of this document and speak only as at the date of this document. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. This document is not an offer or invitation for the subscription of or a recommendation of securities. It does not take into account the investment objectives. Financial situation and particular needs of any investors. Before making an investment in the Corporation, an investor or prospective investor should consider whether such investment is appropriate to their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances and consult an investment advisor if necessary. Attachment Capstone's 2023 ESG Report CONTACT: Megan Hunter Capstone Infrastructure Corporation 416-649-1325 [email protected]None
Diversity statements will no longer be used in University of Michigan faculty hiring, promotion and tenure, a move applauded by critics who have called the practice "litmus tests" that limit diversity of thought while diversity advocates said the process was "preordained" and dishonest. Provost Laurie McCauley announced the decision Thursday based on a recommendation from a UM faculty working group to end diversity statements. But the recommendation is "deceptive," coming after the regents rejected a previous recommendation to keep the diversity statements, a faculty leader said. Diversity statements are documents written by faculty job candidates that let applicants explain to a search committee the distinct experiences they would bring to the university along with their commitment to diversity. The statements help search committees identify applicants "who have professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance campus diversity and equity efforts," according to a University of California at San Diego statement referenced by UM's Center for Research on Learning & Teaching. McCauley's announcement came hours before the Board of Regents is scheduled to meet and a protest is planned beforehand at UM President Santa Ono's house. Many in the UM community are concerned the regents may dismantle a multimillion dollar diversity, equity and inclusion effort built after the school was at the center of a decade-long national debate around affirmative action in higher education, and DEI programs have been under attack across the nation.. "Diversity, equity and inclusion are three of our core values at the university," McCauley said in the University Record, an internal UM publication for faculty and staff, in announcing the end of diversity statements. "Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people. As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.” But there is more that happened in this process, UM Faculty Senate Chair Rebekah Modrak wrote on the University Record page under the announcement. After the regents called for diversity statements to be banned last summer, McCauley formed a faculty committee to review diversity statements in the spirit of shared governance that came up with a different recommendation, Modrak wrote. "My understanding is that the committee’s first report recommended that the use of diversity statements should be up to each unit, a recommendation that honors our decentralization, independence, and academic freedom," Modrak wrote. "The Regents rejected that report and central leadership didn’t support their own faculty committee. Sending a committee back to work to give a second report with preordained results is neither honest nor respectful of faculty expertise. The University Record’s erasure of the Regents’ autocratic hand in this process is also deceptive." Regents will not vote on the provost's action, but may discuss it during the meeting, said Regent Sarah Hubbard, one of two Republicans on the eight-member UM board. "I applaud the provost for ending the practice of requiring diversity statements," said Hubbard. "This policy change removes a barrier to diversity of thought on campus by eliminating the ideological litmus test." No action is expected during Thursday's meeting around other DEI issues, added Hubbard, who previously said the regents have been looking for a long time at the university's DEI efforts and want to realign funds closer to student scholarships. Any budget decisions wouldn't happen until next year when budgetary decisions get made, she said. Even so, hundreds of students, faculty and staff demonstrated on campus earlier this week to show support for the university's DEI programs, and others are planning to attend the protest organized by UM's Black Student Union before the regents meeting and show up to the official meeting. UM's decision to discontinue diversity statements came after the statements were also eliminated in May at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and in June at Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In June, UM's provost charged the eight-member faculty working group to examine diversity statements, though the university did not have an institutional policy on the statements but units did have the discretion to ask for them. The working group recommended the end of the statements after reviewing other policies and surveying more than 2,000 faculty members. “Critics of diversity statements perceive them as expressions of personal identity traits, support of specific ideology or opinions on socially-relevant issues, and serve as a ‘litmus test’ of whether a faculty member’s views are politically acceptable,” the working group wrote in its report. “Thus, as currently enacted, diversity statements have the potential to limit viewpoints and reduce diversity of thought among faculty members.” The working group said it acknowledged the concerns. "But, well-written diversity statements do not necessarily require expression of one’s identity, and they need not express one's beliefs or stances on socially-charged issues," the working group wrote. "Instead, well-written diversity statements contain reflections of how identity has shaped a faculty member’s approach with their students, how they work with their colleagues, and how they interact with society. These are desirable features of current and future U-M faculty members, and this information should be considered when potential faculty are hired and current faculty are promoted." The work group also offered two other recommendations, including that the university "can and must" incorporate of content about DEI into teaching, research and service statements. "Through this incorporation, the problematic features of diversity statements can be eliminated, while the useful and necessary information that exists in diversity statements can be saved and placed where it more naturally belongs," the group wrote in its report. However, UM did not adopt those recommendations. UM's decision to discontinue diversity statements followed other steps the university has taken in recent months that supporters said will create an environment that expands diverse views on campus. They include the regents' controversial adoption last month of a policy on institutional neutrality that prohibits some officials from taking public stances on political and social issues not related to the internal governance of the university. Last month the Faculty Senate passed a resolution censuring the Board of Regents and accusing the regents of "increasingly exhibiting authoritarian tendencies, and silencing free speech. ©2024 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com . 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