The message was clear: Michigan State students would not allow for The Rock to be a vehicle for hate speech and they will continue to push until progress is made. The Rock was photographed on June 9, 2021.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Michigan State University Jabbar R. Bennett released an email statement addressing the Pride painting on the Rock on Farm Lane being defaced with "Boycott your DEI training."
"Recent messages on the MSU rock regarding the university’s mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) online programming have left many in our community feeling targeted and erased," Bennett said in the email.
In the email, he emphasized that MSU will continue its mandatory DEI foundation programming.
The Rock on Farm Lane is painted nearly every day, and there are no written rules for when or how the rock can be painted, according to the email.
"The university supports freedom of speech in all forms and expects every member of our campus community to comply with the MSU Anti-Discrimination Policy," the email said.
Information on the policy can be found here.
"Based on events over the past week, we are having important dialogues with many student groups to discuss the impact of these messages and underscore our commitment to inclusive excellence," Bennett said in the email. "We are committed to the development of a holistic approach for our community as we respond with support and inquiries."
For resources, visit Counseling and Psychiatric Services and the University Ombudsperson.
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