MSU is in the midst of a defining moment. With its $4.4 billion endowment, the university is at risk of losing funding and support if it does not adhere to federal orders, such as those targeting diversity programs. DEI is critical to the well-being of campus. That’s why we’re standing by it — and MSU should too.

MSU leaders demonstrated their ability to course correct in the face of error following the cancellation of the "Future of DEI Policy" panel and Lunar New Year events, yet the damage was done. Going forward, the university needs to be as diligent as ever to remain strong in the face of bureaucratic pressure. 

In response to the initial cancellation of the Lunar New Year event, Asian Pacific American Student Organization President Michael Oriyavong said last week that the "cancellation deeply impacts us and reinforces the idea that we should be afraid."

The concerns from students in response to the cancellations proves to us that these events hold deep meaning for marginalized communities, so every action done by the university — whether supported by administration or not — makes a statement. These decisions don’t exist in a vacuum — they directly impact students, organizations and the broader campus culture. And they make us question whether MSU is truly committed to fostering an inclusive environment or merely reacting to political pressures.  

At The State News, the presence of strong DEI programs enriches the stories we tell, it helps us connect to our campus communities and produce more informed news in an industry that has been historically dominated by white male voices. At a time where representation for students of color is dwindling, we are committed to staying strong on this front and we look to MSU to do the same. 

We have seen firsthand the influential impact of cultural community events and organizations. Whether it be students coming together in celebration of the awaited Multicultural Center, finding their people at a UAB Pride event, or attending a global festival to meet fellow international students, without DEI, our reporting — and MSU as a whole — risks becoming incomplete, failing to reflect its diverse student body.

As it currently stands, there is no formal bureaucratic pressure on MSU to roll back diversity initiatives. But that’s not to say there won’t be. West Virginia University’s DEI Office closure due to Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s executive order is a reminder that the threat is real and will most likely continue to loom over us for at least the next four years, and not just due to direct action by Trump.

Keeping tabs on our governor and local representatives is key, holding them accountable to protect diversity initiatives even if they don’t actively support Trump’s policies. 

We have no time to wait for the next administration to pick up the broken pieces from this one. Regardless of how MSU abides to political pressures, students will continue to build the communities that define MSU. And we will continue to report on it, ensuring these stories are told, voices are heard and the impact of these efforts is recognized.

Removing DEI removes more than just policies; it erases careers, education and lifelong commitments to advocating for equal opportunities and standards that all MSU students deserve.

The State News Editorial Board is made up of editor-in-chief Liz Nass, managing editor Zachary Balcoff, campus editor Amalia Medina, life editor Kendra Gilchrist, sports editor Satvik Shubham, copy chief Claire Donohoe, multimedia editor Brendan Mullin, staff representative Jack Williams and DEI manager Jada Vasser.