On one hand, some institutions within academia have been unable to provide these programs to satisfy their students; on the other hand, MSU continues to make progress when attempting to create an intercultural environment for its students. Being born and raised in a Detroit, Mich. neighborhood where diversity was scarce, I was unable to comprehend and conceptualize the importance of diversity until I got to campus.

Historically, the students of MSU have not been afraid to disclose the lack of diversity within the East Lansing city limits. This dates back to the Civil Rights Movement, to the “89 Sit-In” and the “Silent Protest” that was organized by the Black Student Alliance a couple years ago. As an alumnus who identifies himself as an African-American male, I have a great appreciation for the solidarity of the student body on campus.

When any student of color’s rights are violated, student organizations, such as the Council of Racial and Ethnic Students, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and many other progressive student organizations navigate their way through the bureaucracy of Michigan State to ensure the expectation of diversity and intercultural connectedness is met.

In my junior year, there were multiple racial incidents that shook and disturbed the campus. Racial slurs were found written on a student’s dry erase board, coupled with a black doll hanging from a noose in a chemistry lab. When these incidents occurred on campus, a spark was ignited within the student body, including myself, where many student organizations wanted to put an end to the disrespect and racial intimidation.

Student organizations were collaborating and working together to create socially progressive programming to ensure that diversity and cultural sensitivity was accomplished. In addition to this, there were also Town Hall meetings that were organized by members of the Black Student Alliance and other student organizations on campus.

Many ask if the diversity on campus can improve and I say, “YES!” As society advances as often as a required iPhone update, we have to continue to improve our methods and tools of success for every student within the educational system.

As I go forward in my career within Higher Education, I have noticed that the educational system only can flourish if students demand the necessary academic, emotional and social changes from their administration. When students decide to voice their opinion, the administration will listen. They are in these positions to improve the quality of your education and unless they know the necessary needs of the students, there will never be change.

Change can be accomplished by voicing your opinions and concerns to the open meetings with ASMSU, meeting with administration (which I have noticed is extremely simple) or organizing progressive programming with various student organizations on campus. Simply complaining on social media or sitting on your hands is not going to implement change, but actions will.

With that being said, this is one of many reasons why I consider Michigan State one of the many progressive universities in the nation. As members of the Michigan State community, there is a genuine interest in the advancement of not only people of color, but people who acknowledge a variety of genders, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, etc. If the university continues to acknowledge the importance of diversity, this will enable students to reach their full potential because they will be better equipped with experiences that are crucial and fundamental to their student and professional development.

If we are to demand MSU’s administration makes the necessary changes that will advance and embrace diversity, then we must educate ourselves instead of waiting for our professors to give us the information.

In a world where we have access to a myriad of information, there is no excuse to not being able to educate ourselves on the diversity issues that surround MSU and the world around us. Instead of spending thirty minutes on Facebook, making that small change to read informational publications or taking a class on racial and ethnic inequalities within our society will begin to develop an understanding why an increase in diversity is an essential step for the future of MSU.

Being versed on the issue of diversity will enable students to create the foundation of eliminating these issues of diversity. Hopefully, the result will create more inclusion and interconnectedness at MSU.

Paris Wilson is an MSU alumnus. Reach him at wilso844@gmail.com.