MSU pivots after College Republicans expose DEI mandate - The Midwesterner

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Michigan State University College Republicans are celebrating what they describe as a victory after the university revised language in a student organization leadership agreement.

MSU altered course after a social media controversy last week over diversity, equity and inclusion requirements included in the SOLA.

The change comes days after the group publicized language requiring student organization secretaries to acknowledge they were expected to “foster a safe community where diversity, equity and inclusion is embedded in the organization.”

Screenshots shared by the organization indicate the university later revised the language to state that secretaries are expected to “foster a safe and inclusive community.”

The post gained widespread attention online after being shared by several prominent conservative accounts, such as Aric Nesbitt, and Libs Of TikTok. It sparked broader debate about DEI requirements on college campuses.

In a May 30 post on X, the organization announced the language had been changed.

“UPDATE. Our university has changed the language in the agreement. This is a HUGE VICTORY for our movement,” the group wrote on X. “We need to keep putting pressure on these universities to completely end this WOKE NONSENSE.”

The group added that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives remain present throughout the university.

“Thank you to everyone who helped get this message out. This is only the tip of the iceberg. DEI is still deeply embedded in our university, and we will continue to do everything we can to completely eradicate this radical ideology,” the post stated.

Anton, chairman of the Michigan State College Republicans, told independent journalist Dave Bondy the change appeared to occur shortly after the controversy gained national attention.

“They did this with zero communication,” Anton said. “No emails, no announcement. They just changed it overnight.”

Anton said he did not object to encouraging student organizations to be welcoming but opposed the inclusion of DEI language in official university requirements.

“The inclusive community part is fine,” Anton said. “I would love my secretary to sign it.”

The controversy stemmed from guidance for registered student organizations that directed leaders to review Michigan State University’s Registered Student Organization DEI Toolkit. The toolkit includes recommendations on accessibility accommodations, inclusive language, pronoun usage, recruitment practices, and event planning.

The guidance became a flashpoint after College Republicans argued the toolkit and acknowledgment requirements went beyond administrative responsibilities and promoted policies they viewed as part of the university’s DEI framework.

The dispute also drew attention from elected officials. U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, celebrated the change on a May 30 Instagram post.

“Great News! Michigan State has changed the language!” Huizenga wrote. “Congratulations to the MSU College Republicans on this victory!”

The language change comes as colleges and universities across the country continue facing scrutiny over diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives following executive actions by President Donald Trump aimed at eliminating what the administration has described as unlawful DEI preferences in federally funded institutions.

Michigan State University has not publicly stated whether the revised wording was connected to the social media backlash, and the university has not announced broader changes to its DEI policies.

College Republicans say the language change represents only a first step and plan to continue challenging DEI-related policies they believe remain embedded throughout the university.