MSU revises DEI language after student group’s viral post

Michigan State University has revised its rules for student organization secretaries after a May 29 post on X argued that the taxpayer-funded college is still pushing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

MSU College Republicans drew attention to an acknowledgment-required notice the school sent to the secretaries of all registered student organizations describing their responsibilities.

INSANE. Our university is requiring leadership of all student organizations to agree to terms that require board members to enforce DEI within their organization. WE ARE REFUSING TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT.

Michigan State MUST end this ideological brainwashing and allow freedom of… pic.twitter.com/6CcKyq2agu

— MSU College Republicans (@MSUCR) May 29, 2026

“Secretary is expected to foster a safe community where diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded in the organization,” the notice read, according to screenshots included in the post. “Review the RSO DEI Toolkit for guidance.”

Aidan Haas, vice president of the College Republicans at Michigan State, told Michigan Capitol Confidential in an interview that the notice violates Pres. Trump’s January 2025 executive order, which requires an end to “illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity.”

Haas said that the DEI acknowledgment is just one of several communications loaded with DEI language, such as a student organization toolkit stating that use of the term “hey guys” is discriminatory.

The Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook also calls for DEI requirements, reading in part:

“University-Wide Policy: A policy that has broad applicability and must be followed throughout the University. University-wide policies promote the University’s mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; enhance operational effectiveness; communicate official expectations relating to conduct, rights, and obligations; or mandate actions or constraints.”

The handbook’s section on informal resolution of complaints against students or organizations encourages the parties involved to consult with the “Office for Institutional Diversity & Inclusion.”

Although that language is still included in the handbook, the university quietly changed the wording of its notice to secretaries after the May 29 post went viral, reaching millions of social media users.

“Secretary is expected to foster a safe and inclusive community,” the notice now reads. “For help and guidance, please use the RSO Engagement Toolkit.”

Haas said MSU College Republicans did not receive any notice of that change.

A university representative told CapCon that Michigan State is a welcoming and inclusive community, in accordance with its mission and legacy as a land grant institution.

“The language has since been updated and the matter resolved,” said spokesperson Amber McCann at MSU. McCann said school leaders appreciated the group’s bringing the outdated language to their attention.