This is The State for Thursday, February 20th where we bring you the headlines that matter. I'm Rachel Fulton.
For our first story of the day focusing on campus news,
Federal government agencies are now requiring Michigan State University (MSU) to certify that it does not operate any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs as a condition of receiving federal funding. In a recent email, MSU General Counsel Brian Quinn informed campus leaders that they must review their programs to ensure compliance with the federal government's new interpretation of civil rights law, which classifies DEI programs as discriminatory and illegal.
This move is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to curtail DEI initiatives across various sectors. MSU falls under a January executive order targeting large universities. The Department of Education also sent a letter clarifying that DEI programs violate anti-discrimination law and must be reviewed by universities to maintain federal funding eligibility.
In response, MSU leaders reassured faculty and staff that the university is committed to its core values, emphasizing the need to align with federal regulations while continuing efforts to promote inclusion. MSU is now working to evaluate and adapt its policies in light of the new federal stance, and will host virtual town halls for further discussion.
For our second story focusing on student life,
On January 27, Michigan State University's Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) held a snowman protest outside Wells Hall to raise awareness about climate change. The protest featured three snowmen holding signs with messages like "Born & rolled here. Don't wanna move. Need climate action." The snowmen aimed to capture the attention of MSU students and highlight the urgency of climate change.
For CCL members, this was one of their first protests, designed to encourage individual action on climate issues. "It shows people that you as an individual can have an impact," said Ella Graves, an environmental biology sophomore. Madison Nero, CCL vice president, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change now to protect future generations.
The protest also reflected CCL's non-partisan approach to climate action, seeking to unite people across political lines. CCL's work includes lobbying efforts, where volunteers engage with lawmakers to push for stronger environmental policies. MSU CCL holds weekly meetings with activities designed to help members take action and make a difference in the fight against climate change.
For our final story focusing on social justice,
Darius Peyton never imagined he'd become the student spokesperson for Black students at Michigan State University or lead them in a historic sit-in. Initially, he was reluctant to get involved, feeling like an outsider with imposter syndrome. But his involvement in the Black Student Caucus, driven by his sister, sparked his leadership journey.
In 1989, after a series of secret meetings, Peyton and other student leaders organized a sit-in at the Hannah Administration Building. This protest, which started with around 70 students, aimed to address issues like low graduation rates for Black students, which were at just 30%. By May 11, 300 students were involved in negotiations with the administration, demanding change.
The protest, which became known as the "study-in," featured shirts with the phrase "BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY," a reference to Malcolm X's 1964 speech. Though the protest ended with significant changes in student engagement, issues like low graduation rates for Black students remain relevant today. In 2023, the graduation rate for Black students was still significantly lower than the average, and the Black Students' Alliance continues to work toward improvements.
Peyton's message for today's students: "Not everyone can be a leader, but everyone can be engaged." He stresses the importance of self-discovery and passion for creating lasting change.
Before we end our episode, today's weather forecast is predicting mainly cloudy skies with snow showers in the morning with a high of 23 degrees and a low of 15 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.