News
Thanksgiving – a Complex Tradition – Impacts Students in Different Ways
November 22, 2022 - Henry Mochida
For many Native Americans, the Pilgrims’ entry into their homeland was a day of mourning, rather than a moment of giving thanks. This notion of the holiday is at odds with how it has been celebrated (and taught) as a time to express gratitude in the spirit of peacefully sharing culture and food with loved ones.
Inclusive Communications Guide Announcement
November 16, 2022
In alignment with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report and Plan, University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion are proud to share the Inclusive Guide.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer's November Letter
November 3, 2022 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
Here at Michigan State, we hold ourselves to the highest standards as representatives of this great institution. Being a Spartan is about delivering on our commitment through the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan, Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Plan and DEI Steering Committee Report and Plan.
DRN Reception Creates Connection
October 31, 2022 - Deborah J. Johnson
The Diversity Research Network began its 7th year of operation this fall welcoming new and returning faculty to the fall reception.
DEI Bulletin: November 2022
October 31, 2022 - Ashley Zhou
The Michigan State University DEI Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities, including executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Receives Dignified Award for Excellence
October 28, 2022 - Brigita Felkers
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D, receives Diamond Award Excellence in Education.
Transforming Theatre Ensemble Provides Opportunities for Students to Reimagine Campus
October 23, 2022 - Brigita Felkers
Transforming Theatre Ensemble and Department of Theatre produce moving plays through playwriting fellowship to reimagine campus.
Dr. Rubén Martinez Recognized for Leadership Roles at Retirement Reception
October 21, 2022 - Ashley Zhou
After 14 years, Dr. Rubén Martinez stepped down as director of the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University in 2021 and retired in October as a sociology professor.
CoREM Reception Draws Largest Gathering
October 17, 2022 - Audrey Bentley
On Oct. 3, the Coalition of Racial Ethnic Minorities, or CoREM, hosted its first in-person reception since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
North American Indigenous Student Organization Hosts Powwow of Love
October 7, 2022 - Henry Mochida
The North American Indigenous Student Organization hosted the 37th annual Powwow of Love on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the IM East Field.
MSU Invites Latino Farmers to Discuss Difficulties of Migrant Workers
October 7, 2022 - Brigita Felkers
Latino famers attend luncheon hosted by MSU to discuss H-2A program.
Five Student Organizations That Show Latinx Pride
October 7, 2022 - Jesús Hernandez
MSU is home to one thousand registered student organizations (RSOs), ranging from networking and career development to enjoying hobbies together. Get to know Latine-specific RSOs who are making an impact both at MSU and in their communities.
IDI Welcomes Dr. Vanessa Holmes as the Multicultural Development Manager
September 14, 2022 - Henry Mochida
IDI welcomed Vanessa Holmes, Ph.D., as the Multicultural Development Manager. She will work to address requests for diversity, equity and inclusion learning opportunities across Michigan State University.
DEI Bulletin: September 2022
September 12, 2022 - Ashley Zhou
The Michigan State University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities. The bulletin covers executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
Dr. Mina Shin Joins as DEI Learning Development Specialist
September 12, 2022 - Patti L. Stewart
IDI welcomed Dr. Mina Shin to the team as the inaugural DEI Learning Development Specialist. She will play a pivotal role in shaping the DEI Foundations curriculum.
DRN Hosts First Virtual Info Session
September 12, 2022 - Deborah J. Johnson
In its seventh year of existence, the Diversity Research Network, or DRN, held its first Virtual Informational Session on August 31, 2022 with 48 participants in attendance, including faculty and administrators.
IDI Staff Participate in Panel for Pakistani University Women Leaders
September 12, 2022 - Mina Shin
IDI staff participated in the College of Education's Pakistan Women Leadership in Higher Education discussion. The panel met with 25 Pakistani university leaders from diverse academic and leadership backgrounds.
Meet the DEI Communications Interns
September 12, 2022 - Henry Mochida
University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion welcome DEI communications interns Journalism major Ashley Zhou, James Madison College Social Relations and Policy major Jesús Hernandez and English major Brigita Felkers.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer's Welcome Letter
August 29, 2022 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
Welcome back to another exciting academic year at Michigan State University with many diversity, equity and inclusion efforts underway!
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer's July Letter
July 14, 2022 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
Summer is a time for recalibrating, recharging and renewing preparations for an exciting year of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Michigan State University! In the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, or IDI, we have been gearing up for the first year of instituting DEI priorities.
Mafungo retreat is well received by scholars after two-year hiatus
July 13, 2022 - Deborah J. Johnson
The Mafungo retreat is a three-day intensive experience where consistent concentrated writing time occurs alongside the availability of consultation and opportunities for support of the whole scholar.
Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants advances inclusion on campus and beyond
July 13, 2022 - Henry Mochida
The Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants funded over 42 projects this past year, distributing approximately $525,000 to enhance inclusion across Michigan State University. Now accepting funding requests for 2022-23 through Aug. 1
Community Spotlight: Melanie Trowbridge
July 13, 2022 - Nicole Szymczak
In April, Melanie Trowbridge became the first head of human resources in the Office of Health Sciences. Trowbridge brings more than 20 years of experience to help attract, retain and develop talent overseeing the colleges of human medicine, nursing, osteopathic medicine and more.
Dr. Saldívar Takes on OCAT leadership role
July 13, 2022 - Patti L. Stewart
As we wish Dr. Samuel Saldívar well on his next adventures, I am reminded of the words Maya Angelo offers us, "...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report
June 20, 2022 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report provides an overview of the compositional diversity of MSU students, staff and faculty and DEI initiatives occurring across campus. This year's report is a compilation of data and brief descriptive narratives for the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
MSU Juneteenth Celebration
June 7, 2022 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
Join the campus community for the second annual commemorative celebration of Juneteenth at the Breslin Center.
The MSU community is invited to attend an additional Multicultural Center Community Engagement Session
May 31, 2022
The MSU community is invited to join an additional Multicultural Center Community Engagement Session with SmithGroup designers, Monteil Crawley and Julian Arrington, on June 15.
Name and pronoun systems update
May 26, 2022
MSU endorses enterprise system modifications to offer names and pronouns self-identification options.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer's May Letter
May 10, 2022 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
While spring was late to arrive, the end of the 2021-22 academic year was not and brought many celebratory activities and advancements in diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.
Audrey Bentley receives Trailblazer Award
May 2, 2022 - Henry Mochida
On March 29, Michigan State University’s Department of Police and Public Safety hosted their first Women’s History Month Bazaar steered by Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Captain Florene McGlothian-Taylor and Human Resources Administrator Crystal Perry.
Matthew J. Olovson, J.D., appointed as director of equity and compliance
May 2, 2022
On April 4, Matthew J. Olovson, J.D., joined the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion as the director of equity and compliance. Olovson works to ensure adherence to equal opportunity laws and related university programs and policies. He will be responsible for designing and administering strategic plans to attain diversity goals, equity in practice and markers of inclusive excellence.
Evette Chavez joins as fiscal and human resources officer
May 2, 2022 - Sam Watson
On March 21, Evette Chavez joined the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion as the fiscal and human resources officer. She works closely with staff and community partners regarding fiscal and human resources matters.
All-Gender Restroom Design Study
April 11, 2022
The All-Gender Restroom Design Study is a stakeholder initiative to ensure equitable and inclusive restroom access at Michigan State University. The study will identify parameters for the initial scope and serve as a guide for future improvement projects.
2022 MSU César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration
March 29, 2022
Each year, the Michigan State University, Greater Lansing, and East Lansing communities gather at MSU to honor the legacy of two of the most prominent U.S. labor leaders and civil rights activists, César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta.
DEI Strategic Theme Subcommittee
March 17, 2022
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. provides an update on the diversity, equity and inclusion implementation planning to set Michigan State University on a course to formulate and deliver actionable plans in the coming year.
The MSU community is invited to attend the Multicultural Center Community Engagement Sessions
March 8, 2022
The MSU community is invited to join both of the Multicultural Center Community Engagement Sessions with SmithGroup designers, Monteil Crawley and Julian Arrington, on March 16 and 31.
MSU thanks Dr. Amber Benton for her critical leadership
March 1, 2022 - Henry Mochida
On Feb. 14, Dr. Amber Benton started in her new role as Chief Officer for Diversity Equity and Inclusion at the School of Music Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan.
Save the Date: IDI Speaker Series launches March 24
March 1, 2022 - Henry Mochida
Join the first event on March 24 featuring Professor Dorinda Carter Andrews titled, "A Way Forward in Practice: The Myth and Misconceptions about Teaching Race and Racism."
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer's March Letter
March 1, 2022 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
As my letter has been reflective of past, current, and upcoming events, I would like to start by acknowledging the recent ongoing bomb threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs.
Transforming MSU Playwrighting Cohort creates space for student expression
March 1, 2022 - Henry Mochida
"I find that relaying social justice information through arts and culture, tends to be the most provocative, informative and engaging work," said Crystal Bernard, senior at James Madison College.
DRN Virtual Researcher's Workshop a Success
February 22, 2022 - Greg Teachout
The Researcher’s Workshop went virtual for the first time this year to great success.
Five Ways to Celebrate Black History Month at MSU
February 8, 2022 - Henry Mochida
This year's celebration of Black History Month is about fortifying in the here and now. The celebration seeks to disrupt the erasure of the contributions of Black people, Africans and African Americans in the United States while offering an invitation for others to bear witness.
Lunar New Year is a multicultural celebration
February 1, 2022 - Jeffrey Tsang
APIDA/AFSA leader, Jeffrey Tsang shares reflections on the spring festival. "We say Lunar New Year because we need to be inclusive of all the communities that celebrate the new year," said Tsang.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer's January Letter
January 11, 2022 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
January is a time for renewal that is customarily filled with new year’s resolutions. So, I extend best wishes for greater self-preservation, wellness, less fatigue and more connection!
2022 MLK Celebration Features Jazz, Community Conversation, Art Festival
January 11, 2022 - Henry Mochida and Greg Teachout
The public is encouraged to attend the collection of events occurring throughout the week.
DEI Graduate Certificate pilot launches successfully
January 11, 2022 - Henry Mochida
Doctoral students Melissa Yzaguirre and Gia Casaburo in the College of Social Science launch the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Graduate Certificate pilot program funded by Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants.
About the name change
January 10, 2022 - Henry Mochida
On January 17, 2022, the office will have a new name: Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion or IDI for short.
Welcome Jade Richards
January 10, 2022 - Patricia Stewart
Jade Richards joined the team as the Dialogues Coordinator from her role in MSU Extension where she served as a mental health program instructor and facilitated many of the Mental Health First Aid workshops.
MLK Community Conversation
January 7, 2022 - Eduardo Olivo and Karen Stowell
To align with safety precautions, the MLK Community Unity Dinner has been canceled and shifted to a virtual program, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Conversation. The webinar will take place January 17, 2022, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET. Register for the event on Zoom.
UPDATED: MLK Community Unity Dinner shifts to virtual
December 21, 2021 - Eduardo Olivo, Henry Mochida
To align with safety precautions, the MLK Community Unity Dinner has been canceled and shifted to a virtual program, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Conversation. The webinar will take place on January 17, 2022, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET. Register for the event on Zoom.
Give books, grow hope: stuff the library for MSU’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
December 8, 2021 - Erica Venton, Kelly Mazurkiewicz
The Michigan State University Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration Planning Committee is hosting a virtual Stuff the Library event as a component of the 42nd week-long Annual Celebration. This year, the celebration will take place Sunday, Jan. 16 - Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. Leading up to this week-long event, the committee is partnering with Detroit Public Schools to fill libraries with books on topics of social justice and with characters representing diverse backgrounds.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer's November Letter
November 2, 2021 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. recaps the months’ diversity, equity and inclusion news.
DRN Reception at Cowles House
November 1, 2021 - Henry Mochida
Diversity Research Network hosts the 2021 Fall Reception at Cowles House. Photography by Derrick Turner.
Costume Selection Matters
October 25, 2021 - Henry Mochida, Beth Brauer and Bethany Balks
For many visible and invisible identities, Halloween summons more than ghouls and goblins. While most think of Halloween as a time to dress in costume and celebrate all things spooky, it also can become a breeding ground for racist, sexist, culturally insensitive and biased behaviors.
Welcome to Dr. Terrence Frazier as Special Assistant
September 9, 2021 - Henry Mochida
Frazier will focus on the implementation of the DEI Steering Committee report. He will be bringing stakeholders together from across campus (faculty, staff and students) to support the four strategic goals with the twenty-seven recommendations within the report.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer's September Letter
September 9, 2021 - Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. recaps the months’ diversity, equity and inclusion news.
Audrey Bentley: a Profile in Dedication
September 8, 2021 - Annie Dubois
Behind the scenes of every celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion at MSU, there stands an exceptional leader — her name is Audrey Bentley.
Fall 2021 Welcome Letter
August 27, 2021
When we come back together this semester, we must do so with empathy, grace and compassion, acknowledging that many feel anxious and vulnerable after such a challenging year.
Welcome to DEI Communications Manager
July 7, 2021
In February, the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives welcomed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Communications Manager Henry Mochida to Michigan State University.
DRN Writing and Retreat Photo Essay
July 7, 2021
Diversity Research Network Summer Stay Scholars embarked on a writing retreat.
Short-Term Work Group on Name and Pronoun Usage
July 7, 2021
The work aligns with and will inform the university’s ongoing and longer-term diversity, equity and inclusion strategic framing and planning processes.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer’s July Letter
July 7, 2021
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. recaps the months’ diversity, equity and inclusion news.
Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives releases Diversity at MSU Report
July 7, 2021 - Henry Mochida
The 2019-20 annual report provides an overview of student and workforce data. It provides information on enrollment, graduation rate, hiring rate and other measures based on demographics and domestic vs. international status for student data.
Addressing Recent Events on Painting the Rock
June 11, 2021
Recent messages on the MSU rock regarding the university’s mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) online programming have left many in our community feeling targeted and erased.
Diversity Research Network Writing Spaces and Retreats
May 4, 2021
One of the most active areas of support and resources provided by the Diversity Research Network centers around writing retreats and spaces.
The Anti-Racist Path, a 12-week Series Continuing in Fall 2021
May 4, 2021
As we take our first steps, we have to invest in deepening our knowledge and skills. Accepting for fall 2021, limited capacity!
MSU Dialogues Closes with a Celebration and Accepting Applications for Fall
May 4, 2021
Now accepting applications for fall.
Implicit Bias Certification
May 4, 2021
This semester the education team offered the Implicit Bias Certification (I.B.C.) to 200+ faculty, staff, academic specialists, and MSU community members housed in more than 12 programs and departments around campus.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer’s May Letter
May 4, 2021
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. recognizes the leadership in the APIDA community, DEI efforts in the wake of George Floyd's death, DEI strategic plans and news from the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
Diversifying the Graduate-Student Pipeline
April 28, 2021
April 29, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. What can colleges do to recruit and retain more minority students? To examine this issue, a panel of leading professionals and practitioners in diversity and inclusion will join The Chronicle for an hour-long discussion of the steps needed to finally make inroads on this pivotal issue in higher ed today.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. Selected to National Advisory Board on Racial Equity in Higher Education
March 31, 2021 - Henry Mochida
On March 30, the Association of American Universities announced that Michigan State University’s Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. has been selected to serve on the Advisory Board on Racial Equity in Higher Education.
Students host event exploring socioeconomic equity in higher education
March 30, 2021
The Graduate and Undergraduate Entomology Student Society (GUESS) in collaboration with the CANR Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) invited Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack, Harvard sociologist and author of “The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges Are Failing Disadvantaged Students,” for an afternoon of virtual events with students, faculty and staff. To host this event, GUESS and the CANR ODEI received the Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant from the MSU Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
College of Natural Science offers stop anti-APIDA and anti-Asian bias and violence resources
March 24, 2021
Proactively taking steps for self-education is a critical step to learning how to address anti-APIDA and anti-Asian violence and bias. The College of Natural Science has developed a list of resources to help guide this endeavor. The list offers resources around action steps, history, terminology and anti-racist tools, including resources for understanding the 2020 summer protests for Black Lives and much more.
February 2021 DEI Foundations Online Training
February 22, 2021
DEI Foundations is intended to heighten awareness and take a step toward ensuring all members of our community feel welcome, respected and included, which are prerequisites to offering an environment where all can succeed. Your participation is vital to the realization of this goal, and if you have completed the program, we thank you.
MSU Dialogues Online: Connecting Humanity through Conversation Even at a Distance
January 11, 2021 - Briana Bohannon
MSU Dialogues provides a unique opportunity for the MSU community to have conversations about issues that impact our community. It is one space for community members with different backgrounds and perspectives to be able to share their narratives and challenge the dominant narratives within our society. We each have our truths, which inform how we navigate the world, but those are not the only true experiences. Briana Bohannon, former participant and trained facilitator shares insights.
December 2020 - DEI Foundations
December 3, 2020
The online modules for Diversity Equity and Inclusion learning at MSU are underway. As an inaugural mandate from President Stanley, I3 coordinated the process of delivering 62,000 modules to employees and students over the last month (October/November).
December 2020 - A.R.T
December 3, 2020 - Monica Ramirez-Montagut, Director, Eli Broad Museum
The MSU Broad Art Museum’s full staff participated in a Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training called A.R.T.(Addressing Racism Together). We shared six two-hour sessions on Friday mornings focused on restorative solutions. From that training, we created our own DEAI statement and identified areas of improvement that will inform our institutional goals in our upcoming 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.
December 2020 - Empathy Games
December 3, 2020 - Geri Zeldes
From 160 submissions to the “FUTURE PRESENT: Design in a Time of Urgency” exhibit, curators selected MSU’s Empathic Games as one of 16 to feature at the Science Gallery Detroit, a new pop-up museum located in the Bedrock Building at the corner of Woodward and Michigan Avenues.