By Ioana Monica Dorhoi, PhD / February 20, 2025
Michigan State University now finds itself navigating new federal demands aimed at reshaping how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are implemented across its campus. In an internal memo released Tuesday, General Counsel Brian Quinn notified MSU leaders that federal agencies are now requiring the university to certify it operates no DEI programs—a stipulation tied to continued federal funding.
A New Federal Mandate
The memo outlines that, as part of a broader governmental effort, MSU must verify that its programs and activities do not contravene the federal interpretation of civil rights law. According to this new framework, initiatives designed to enhance diversity may be viewed as discriminatory and therefore illegal. This shift marks a significant escalation in the current administration’s campaign to limit or eliminate DEI efforts not only within federal agencies but also at major public institutions.
The directive builds on an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” issued on January 21. That order charged federal agencies with identifying up to nine entities—spanning universities with endowments exceeding $1 billion, large corporations, and major nonprofits—for civil compliance reviews. With an endowment of $4.4 billion, MSU clearly falls within this specified category.
Department of Education’s Signal
In addition to the memo from the university’s legal office, a “Dear Colleague” letter from the Department of Education reinforced the federal stance. The letter stated that DEI programs conflict with established anti-discrimination laws and warned that the department would soon begin assessing whether universities adhere to these laws. Institutions that fail to demonstrate compliance could risk losing federal funding—a consequence that has heightened uncertainty on campuses nationwide.
MSU’s Position and Response
While the federal government is taking an assertive stance, Quinn’s communication emphasizes that MSU has long upheld stringent non-discrimination standards. Citing longstanding federal and state laws, the memo reassured campus leaders that the university’s practices in employment, admissions, and scholarship awards already conform to these legal requirements. The existing policies—embodied in MSU’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation—serve as the foundation for the university’s commitment to equal opportunity.
Despite this reassurance, the memo advises all departments to conduct thorough reviews of their activities. Administrators were urged to examine their programs to ensure that none are perceived as favoring individuals based on protected identities. To facilitate this process, a link was provided for faculty and staff to access legal guidance from the Office of General Counsel regarding any potentially noncompliant initiatives.
Campus Reactions and Future Implications
Later on Tuesday, Provost Thomas Jeitschko followed up with an email to academic staff and faculty, addressing concerns that have been mounting amid this federal scrutiny. Jeitschko’s message reaffirmed MSU’s dedication to its core values and founding mission, while also acknowledging the uncertainty experienced by many on campus. His remarks echoed earlier defenses made during a recent Board of Trustees meeting, albeit with more measured language.
The latest federal intervention represents a notable extension of efforts that began with curtailing DEI programs within the federal government itself. By targeting external institutions that rely on federal funding, the administration signals a broader redefinition of the role DEI initiatives can play in American higher education.
A Precedent for Higher Education
For MSU and similar institutions, the coming weeks are expected to be a period of intense review and adjustment. University officials and legal experts anticipate that while the process may lead to refinements in how diversity initiatives are structured, there is a genuine concern that the new regulations could also impact the supportive measures designed to foster an inclusive academic environment.
As the federal review process unfolds, the outcome at MSU could set a critical precedent. Institutions with sizable endowments and significant federal funding may soon find themselves reevaluating not only their DEI programs but also the broader implications for campus culture and equity initiatives.
In the midst of these changes, MSU leadership remains determined to balance compliance with federal directives while continuing to uphold the values that have long defined the university community. The evolving situation at Michigan State University thus reflects a pivotal moment in the national conversation on diversity and the role of government oversight in shaping educational policies.
Ioana Dorhoi, PhD – Government Relations and Public Affairs 