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In the news today: For our first story of the week focusing on campus news, voter turnout increases marginally in ASMSU elections; controversial proposal passes. For our second story focusing on more campus news, MSU joins amicus brief in support of international students amid visa revocations. For our final story focusing on more campus news, campus police aren't required to assist ICE.
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What is The State - A Podcast from The State News + Impact 89FM?
The State is a daily rundown of the headlines that matter to the East Lansing, MI community.
This is The State for Monday, April 14th where we bring you the headlines that matter. I'm Rachel Fulton.
For our first story of the week focusing on campus news,
At Michigan State University, the student government hoped ice cream might sweeten the deal and boost turnout in this year's elections. And technically, it did -- voter participation crept up from 3% to 3.8%. ASMSU President Connor Le called it a 'big win,' but the increase sparked some criticism.
Some students said they felt rushed to vote in exchange for a treat, with claims that representatives encouraged them to vote 'yes' on certain proposals. One student said she'd change her vote if given more time to understand the issues.
The most debated measure? Proposal 2 -- which narrowly passed and reversed last year's decision to move presidential elections to a popular vote. It keeps the parliamentary system in place. Critics say it delays needed reform, but ASMSU leaders argue it gives them time to do it right.
Looking ahead, current VP Kathryn Harding is the only candidate running for president. She says she plans to continue the conversation about election reform -- just with more time, and less pressure.
For our second story focusing on more campus news,
Michigan State University is taking a stand alongside 85 other institutions to defend the rights of international students. Last Wednesday, MSU joined a national amicus brief--also known as a 'friend of the court' filing--supporting a lawsuit that challenges recent federal immigration policies targeting non-citizen students.
This move comes just days after at least 12 MSU international students had their visas revoked by the Department of Homeland Security. University President Kevin Guskiewicz responded by reaffirming MSU's commitment to its international community.
The brief, filed by the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, argues that federal actions under the Trump administration have created a climate of fear on campuses--especially for students engaged in political advocacy, including pro-Palestine voices.
It warns of long-term consequences: a chilling effect on free speech, damage to the U.S. economy, and the potential loss of billions in tuition revenue. MSU spokesperson Amber McCann said the university is proud of its international Spartans and is actively looking for ways to support them.
For now, MSU says it's closely monitoring visa records and promises to alert students to any changes in their legal status.
For our final story focusing on more campus news,
Despite recent federal visa revocations, Michigan State University says its campus police won't be helping with deportations. That's the message from top MSU officials, who spoke Friday after growing concern that ICE could show up on campus.
The worry stems from the second Trump administration's immigration crackdown, which recently led to the termination of visas for some MSU international students. But MSU Police Chief Mike Yankowski has made it clear: the department doesn't ask about immigration status, and it will only assist federal agents if there's a criminal arrest warrant -- as required by law.
Board Chair Kelly Tebay reinforced that stance, saying immigration enforcement is a federal issue and not part of campus safety responsibilities. President Kevin Guskiewicz added that MSU is committed to protecting student privacy and the university's international community.
While some universities, especially in Florida, have signed enforcement agreements with ICE, MSU's approach is the opposite -- standing firm in its support for global scholars and distancing itself from the administration's policies.
As Guskiewicz put it: this moment calls on the university to uphold its legacy of international partnership and inclusion.
Before we end our episode, today's weather forecast is partly cloudy skies with a high of 64 degrees and a low of 38 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.