LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan State University abruptly canceled a planned webinar on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) following President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting such programs in federally funded institutions.
The event, titled “The Future of DEI Policy at MSU,” was originally scheduled for January 28 but was called off on January 23, one day after Trump directed federal agencies to investigate universities with endowments exceeding $1 billion.
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The order puts Michigan State University, with a $4.4 billion endowment, and the University of Michigan, with an $18 billion endowment, in the federal crosshairs, according to Bridge Michigan.
“The Trump administration has issued a set of restrictions that indirectly impact all universities’ capacities to pursue diversity and inclusion programs,” MSU professor Brendan Cantwell said. “No one knows how serious the follow-through on these threats is going to be, but no university wants to be the first to find out.”
Trump’s executive order, part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI programs, bans such initiatives in federal agencies and the military. It also suggests new financial penalties for universities deemed “woke,” though specifics remain unclear.
The University of Michigan’s DEI program has drawn particular scrutiny, having spent $236.2 million since 2016. MSU currently employs between 36 and 50 DEI staff members, including 18 in its Institutional Diversity and Inclusion office.
MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz acknowledged the shifting landscape in a message to students and staff.
“The changes outlined in the recently announced executive orders and proposed legislative shifts may create some uncertainty and concern,” Guskiewicz wrote. “Please know that no matter what happens, we all belong here.”
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Organizers say they still hope to hold the webinar, which had over 550 registrants, but a new date has not been set.
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