Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

News

MSU

MSU board talks immigration concerns, votes to renovate Wilson Hall

Anish Topiwala  and  Julia Roeder
February 6, 2026

In the wake of immigration crackdowns on a national scale, Michigan State University’s first Board of Trustees meeting of the semester spent its opening minutes addressing students and faculty concerns, which dotted the public comment period. The meeting marked the turnover of several key MSU administrators, including a new board chair. Also approved at the meeting were renovations to an MSU dormitory, adding laboratories for an engineering program. Several trustees were physically absent from the meeting, with one not appearing virtually until over an hour-and-a-half into the meeting.

MSU

MSU President: 'Disappointed' by Trustee's essay demanding reinstatement of DEI

Anish Topiwala
February 6, 2026

An opinion piece published by a Michigan State University Board of Trustees member has spurred tensions among the university’s administration. Trustee Rema Vassar, in an opinion essay published earlier this week, argued that MSU should walk back on many of its actions to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in compliance with federal directives. 

MSU

MSU board votes to demolish IM West

Anish Topiwala
February 6, 2026

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees voted to proceed with the demolition of IM West after more than a year of delay. The vote follows more than a year of deliberation over the fate of the facility. If demolished, the site would be converted into additional parking and green space.

MSU

Old equipment, maintenance issues nag IM East

Georgia Hill
February 4, 2026

IM East, which first opened in 1987, serves as the primary recreational space for students living on the east side of campus. Despite its heavy use, students regularly encounter broken lockers, frequent machine breakdowns, outdated equipment, and overcrowding. 

MSU

MSU board to vote on IM West demolition after yearlong delay

Anish Topiwala
February 2, 2026

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees will vote Friday on whether to proceed with the IM West demolition, after a year of delay. Other items to be voted on include renovations for Wilson Hall, the appointment of a new Vice President for Research and Innovation and the appointment of auditors for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

MSU

Justice in action: How MSU’s Immigration Law Clinic balances education and advocacy

Demonte Thomas
February 2, 2026

For over 15 years, Michigan State University’s Immigration Law Clinic has provided law students with hands-on experience while advocating for vulnerable immigrant populations. Now, amid evolving federal policies and travel bans, the clinic continues to support clients, educate students and guide the MSU community through legal challenges and confusion surrounding immigration enforcement.

MSU

Behind closed doors, MSU tackles antisemitism and Islamophobia through dialogue

Anish Topiwala
January 31, 2026

In the wake of recent antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents around East Lansing, Michigan State University hosted its biannual conference broaching the topics. MSU’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Impact, alongside multiple professors, held their event “Conversations on Antisemitism and Islamophobia" Friday morning. Event organizers invited MSU students, faculty and staff members to attend.