MSU Cancels Lunar New Year Event Amid DEI Concerns

Michigan State University (MSU) canceled its annual Lunar New Year celebration due to concerns over recent executive orders from President Trump targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The cancellation was announced shortly before the event was set to begin, with emails indicating that student concerns about gathering for cultural events amid political uncertainty played a significant role. MSU officials are apprehensive about the potential impact of these orders on the university's federal funding, especially given that MSU has a $4.4 billion endowment and received $528 million from federal sources in 2024. The DEI order may lead to investigations of universities with substantial endowments, with MSU and the University of Michigan being key targets. As a result of this political climate, university leaders are navigating complex decisions regarding their DEI initiatives, which have become contentious in recent years. Experts note that the ramifications of these executive actions could significantly affect the university's ability to maintain its commitment to diversity and inclusion.