This is The State for Tuesday, February 25th where we bring you the headlines that matter. I'm Rachel Fulton.
For our first story focusing on campus news,
In response to potential federal changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) passed a bill Thursday to proactively protect DEI initiatives. The bill, introduced by Vice President Kathryn Harding, would remove DEI language from ASMSU governing documents and replace it with terms like "Outreach and Community." Harding emphasized that this change would only be implemented if the federal government imposes restrictions, but it ensures ASMSU can continue supporting all students. The bill passed unanimously.
In a related move, MSU university leadership was advised last week to review DEI programs to comply with the federal government's new stance on civil rights law, which may label DEI programs as discriminatory.
In other news, ASMSU also passed two bills addressing student housing. One bill advocates ending transitional housing, which has caused overcrowding and stress for students. Representative Abe Jaafar highlighted that 476 freshmen and sophomores started the semester in transitional housing, and hopes to see it phased out over time. The second bill proposes reducing the mandatory two-year on-campus housing requirement to one year, giving students more options and alleviating pressure on the housing system. Both bills passed with a majority.
For our second story focusing on more campus news,
Michigan State University has completely redacted an internal review of plagiarism allegations against College of Education Dean Jerlando Jackson. This review, was heavily censored, blocking access to information that could clarify how the university cleared Jackson of any wrongdoing. President Kevin Guskiewicz used this review in January to justify Jackson's position at the top of one of MSU's most respected colleges.
After Jackson was cleared, one scholar who had alleged plagiarism told The State News that MSU had not contacted him during its internal review, raising doubts about the process's credibility. Plagiarism experts, like John Budd, a professor emeritus at the University of Missouri, expressed concern over the review's thoroughness, noting that Jackson's alleged plagiarism appeared substantial, with entire sentences and possibly paragraphs copied directly.
MSU has justified the redactions by citing a privacy exemption under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which allows withholding "information of a personal nature" if it would harm an individual's privacy. However, experts, including FOIA attorney Steve Delie, argue that this exemption is being misapplied. Delie pointed out that it's unlikely that every part of the document is private and emphasized that FOIA requires a balance between protecting personal privacy and the public's right to transparency.
The State News has appealed MSU's decision to President Guskiewicz, who now has 10 days to review the redactions.
For our final story focusing on more campus news,
James Madison College hosted its third annual Black History Month Symposium last Friday, featuring keynote speaker Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan's first Black Lieutenant Governor. The event celebrated Black history through speeches, music, and student voices. Jahshua Smith, academic specialist at JMC, praised Gilchrist as a role model for students pursuing careers in leadership.
The symposium opened with a performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, followed by remarks from interim provost Thomas Jeitschko, who reaffirmed MSU's commitment to its mission despite challenges in higher education. Jabbar R. Bennett, MSU's Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, also emphasized the long history of DEI efforts at the university.
Gilchrist, in his keynote, discussed the importance of Black History Month and the significance of supporting people for who they are. He addressed ongoing national debates about diversity programs, encouraging students to think about how they can create a welcoming environment today.
Gilchrist shared his goals as Lieutenant Governor, including expanding internet access and supporting business innovation in Michigan. He also highlighted his work with Governor Whitmer to increase public education funding.
The symposium, which brings attention to the importance of DEI, continues to inspire students and faculty, even as such initiatives face challenges.
Before we end our episode, today's weather forecast is predicting overcast skies with a high of 47 degrees and a low of 28 degrees.
Thank you for joining us for The State... Produced by The State News and Impact eighty-nine F-M. You can find us online at State News dot com and Impact eight-nine F-M dot org. We'll be back tomorrow with more.
