An emphasis and pride around MSU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at its board meetings is not a new phenomenon. But the DEI focus takes on a new significance amid what Guskiewicz called a "changing federal landscape," referring to the new administration of President Donald Trump. 

Guskiewicz’s comments Friday come amid an emerging tension between MSU’s commitment to DEI and Trump’s use of executive authority to begin rooting out such programs across the country. In one executive order, Trump seemed to take somewhat direct aim at MSU, asking federal agencies to "identify up to nine potential civil compliance investigations" into colleges and universities with endowments over $1 billion — a category that MSU fits — as well as publicly traded corporations and large non-profits.

That discord was clearly manifested late last month with the cancellation of a "Future of DEI Policy at MSU" panel discussion, and then, a week later, the more abrupt cancellation of a Lunar New Year cultural event. Both cancellations cited concerns around the flurry of executive orders — namely, ones targeting DEI — being passed at the federal level. 

The latter cancellation, however, was largely viewed across campus as an example of "complying in advance" to Trump’s anti-DEI measures. The university seemed to heed that criticism, later apologizing for the decision and calling it an "overreaction." (The first sentence in Guskiewicz’s report Friday seemed to implicitly reference that controversy: "This being our first meeting of 2025 I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and for those in our community that celebrated, a happy Lunar New Year.)"

Though the cancellations have prompted uncertainty on campus around MSU’s dedication to DEI, university leaders looked to quell those concerns Friday, expressing an ostensibly steadfast commitment to the value of such programs and measures on campus.

"We will not waver in our responsibility to create spaces where all students — especially those from marginalized backgrounds — can thrive, lead and leave lasting positive legacies," Trustee Rema Vassar said.

Board Chair Kelly Tebay made sure in her report toward the meeting’s end to assure that both the DEI policy panel and Lunar New Year events have been rescheduled. 

And, in a press conference after the meeting, Guskiewicz said he’s met with federal "congressional leaders" from Michigan to explain MSU’s defense of DEI and enlist them for help on messaging around the issue amid the Trump administration's hostility toward the programs. 

"What I've been consistent in saying is that it won't be a choice here," Guskiewicz said. "We will be an inclusive community, and one that will always aspire toward the equity part."

While the trustees delivered impassioned defenses of DEI, Angela Wilson — the board’s faculty liaison — dedicated nearly the entirety of her comments to communicate the concerns from students and faculty regarding other Trump executive orders, particularly those impacting federal funding for research.

"The whirlwind of federal directives that have been coming and going and coming has been overwhelming," Wilson said, appearing to reference the short-lived funding freeze that provoked anxiety for researchers whose projects depend on federal money. "Faculty are getting email messages with stoppages, pauses and other daunting news."

Wilson noted the impact that the federal administration’s dismantling of USAID — a federal agency responsible for international humanitarian and development projects across the globe — would have at MSU.

In 2024, MSU received a $17 million grant from USAID to help institutions of higher education in Malawi enroll and retain more scholars. It’s unclear what the project’s future will look like after the Trump administration fired nearly all USAID employees this week.