In the wake of George Floyd's tragic death, a small group of America's most elite business schools turned to the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM) to reaffirm their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Established in 1966 by a Washington University professor, the CGSM recruits underrepresented minorities into member schools with a streamlined application process and reduced fees. Over the past five years, the organization has expanded dramatically, welcoming 25 schools into its network this fall. According to the CGSM website, it secured 854 students for these institutions—a record high—showcasing its growing influence. However, early July brought unsettling news: for the 2026 admissions cycle, only 24 schools would participate. In an email released to the public, the CGSM announced that the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin would end its formal partnership. The email, shared on Reddit, suggested the decision was made reluctantly, with UT Austin citing regulatory compliance as the sole reason, not dissatisfaction with the partnership itself. A spokesperson for McCombs declined to comment on the matter. This move has sparked debate: while the CGSM argues the partnership was always aligned with its mission, critics question whether the schools' decisions reflect genuine commitment to DEI or strategic adjustments in a rapidly changing political climate. As the conversation continues, the question remains: will these institutions prioritize inclusivity or prioritize compliance over their core values?
