Michigan State University's Board of Trustees has voted to change the title of its top official for diversity, equity, and inclusion, removing the word "diversity" from the position. The move comes after a series of policy shifts at the university related to DEI initiatives and reported pressure from federal sources.
The vote, which passed 6-1 with one abstention on October 31, renames Jabbar Bennett from "Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer" to "Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer." The decision has sparked debate among trustees about the university's direction and response to external political pressures.
Key Takeaways
- MSU's Board of Trustees voted 6-1 to rename its top DEI position to "Chief Inclusion Officer," removing "Diversity."
- The change follows the loss of nearly $6.5 million in federal funding for research projects deemed to promote DEI.
- Some trustees expressed concern that the university was "capitulating to pressure" from the Trump administration.
- This is the latest in a series of DEI-related policy adjustments at MSU, including ending affirmative action in hiring and removing DEI statements from faculty reviews.
A Contentious Vote
The decision to alter the executive title was part of a larger package of personnel actions, including faculty tenure recommendations and a raise for MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz. However, the title change became a point of contention during the board meeting.
Trustee Rema Vassar, a Democrat from Detroit, was the sole dissenting vote. She explained her position was a protest against what she perceived as yielding to outside influence.
"I can't vote yes for this because I do not agree that we should capitulate to pressure around language changes," Vassar stated during the meeting.
Trustee Dennis Denno, a Democrat from East Lansing, shared similar sentiments but chose to abstain from the vote due to his support for the other items in the motion. "I'm just really tired of running away from the word diversity," Denno said.
In contrast, Trustee Renee Knake Jefferson supported the change, framing it as an act of trust in the university's current leadership. "This is something that our administration asked us to support, and I trust under this president that the work we do will not change," she commented.
A Series of Policy Shifts
The title change is not an isolated event. It follows several significant adjustments to MSU's DEI framework throughout the year, indicating a broader institutional response to a changing political and regulatory environment.
Context of Broader Changes at MSU
Throughout 2024, Michigan State University has systematically altered its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These changes appear to align with directives and pressures stemming from the Trump administration, which has scrutinized DEI programs at federally funded institutions.
The timeline of these adjustments includes:
- February: University leadership ordered a comprehensive review of all campus programs and activities to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws, with a specific focus on programs for individuals from protected identity groups.
- April: MSU ended its use of affirmative action in hiring decisions. This was a direct response to a Trump directive prohibiting federal contractors from engaging in workforce balancing based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics.
- July: The university announced it would no longer require or consider diversity, equity, and inclusion statements in faculty reappointment, tenure, or promotion processes.
Additionally, the university's 2021 DEI plan and its broader strategic plan were removed from the official website. A university spokesperson confirmed in July that both documents were under review.
Financial Implications
The policy shifts have been accompanied by significant financial consequences. In May, MSU lost nearly $6.5 million in previously guaranteed federal funding. The cuts affected 18 research projects that the Trump administration identified as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly those with components focusing on race, gender, or equity.
Navigating a Shifting Landscape
The actions at Michigan State reflect a growing trend among public universities navigating a complex political climate surrounding DEI. While some institutions have made sweeping changes, MSU's approach has been described as more incremental.
For comparison, the University of Michigan announced in April the complete closure of its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. MSU's changes, while significant, have so far involved restructuring and relabeling rather than outright elimination of its central DEI office.
The renaming of the Chief Diversity Officer to Chief Inclusion Officer is seen by some as a symbolic but meaningful step in this ongoing evolution. For supporters, it is a pragmatic adjustment to ensure the continuation of important work under a new banner. For critics, it represents a retreat from a core principle in the face of political pressure, raising questions about the future of diversity initiatives at one of the nation's largest public universities.
