EAST LANSING, Mich - Bridge Michigan reported a Michigan State University webinar on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) was canceled just one day after newly elected President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending DEI initiatives in federal contracting and spending.
The webinar, originally scheduled for Tuesday and titled “The Future of DEI Policy at MSU,” was called off on Thursday. While organizers hope to reschedule the event, a new date has not been announced.
According to organizers, the delay comes as university employees slated to speak at the event work to understand the implications of a series of executive orders from the new administration. These orders have included threats to public universities that continue pursuing DEI initiatives.
As MSU canceled the event they sent an email out to students and staff saying:
“Last week, the president signed a series of orders that will impact the well-being of colleagues, students, and community partners. While these proposed shifts may cause uncertainty and concern, The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships wants to provide you with a list of resources that may help in your understanding of these orders as well as additional resources.”
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Michigan State University linked to the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement website which gave migrants guidance on how to deal with ICE.
This below is just one of the graphics:
Michigan State University law clinic linked to something called the Higher Ed Immigration Portal which gives guidance on assistance on getting an immigration attorney.
The website has the following mission statement:
Michigan State University is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and maintaining a campus that is diverse, equitable and free from discrimination.
We know that undocumented students, refugees, recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and those with mixed-immigration status often face challenges while navigating campus policies and support services. To circumvent these barriers, Michigan State University is working to increase institutional support for these students by making services like admissions, financial aid and residency reclassification advising more accessible.
This website reflects our commitment to MSU students, faculty and staff by providing useful information to current and prospective students as well as their families, and other members of the campus community.
Bridge reporting, Dan Hurley, executive director of the Michigan Association of State Universities advocacy group said he’s sure that “conversations are already underway” at the state’s public universities about how to “stay true to their missions while remaining in compliance with federal law.
“Universities coast to coast are analyzing the executive orders and reviewing current policies,” Hurley said.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a directive for state department and agency heads to review and ensure compliance with executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump, focusing on policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the electric vehicle (EV) mandate, and gender classification. The directive requires consultation with the Department of Attorney General to ensure adherence to federal and state laws and court rulings, particularly regarding federal funding, which accounts for nearly $34 billion of Michigan's $83 billion 2025 fiscal year budget, including $27 billion allocated to Medicaid through the Department of Health and Human Services.
