Today’s weather forecast is predicting cloudy skies with a high of 35 degrees and a low of 16 degrees.
MSU college reschedules Lunar New Year event after canceling due to Trump’s anti-DEI orders
Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences is rescheduling its Lunar New Year celebration after canceling it last week, which sparked backlash. The college initially cited concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, along with student concerns about in-person gatherings.
However, after criticism, the college apologized, calling the cancellation an “overreaction.” In a follow-up email, the Dean and DEI Director acknowledged that the decision caused confusion and disrespected Asian American students, faculty, and staff. They also clarified that the cancellation was unrelated to former President Trump’s push against DEI programs.
To make up for it, the college will hold a listening session with Asian American faculty and students. The rescheduled event will now take place on February 11th. The university also emphasized that future cultural events will not be canceled.
Tesla student recruitment event on MSU campus sparks protest against Elon Musk
At Michigan State University on Tuesday, Tesla held a recruitment event in the Engineering Building, offering students the chance to learn about the company and check out the Cybertruck. But just steps away, a group of protesters, led by MSU alum Shelly Cichy, were vocal in their opposition to Tesla’s connection to Elon Musk.
Cichy and others argue that Musk’s close ties to the Trump administration and his role in overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency — which controls sensitive data like Social Security and Medicare records — make him a problematic figure. Cichy said students should think twice before pursuing internships or jobs with a company run by someone she sees as actively working to undermine the government.
“Students have tough choices to make, and one good choice is to avoid working for someone who is trying to dismantle their government,” Cichy explained.
The protest wasn’t just alumni–graduate students and faculty, like assistant professor Rachel Frisbie, also joined in, emphasizing the importance of values in career decisions. “If your values are about inclusion and uplifting all voices, then working for Tesla isn’t aligned with those values,” Frisbie said.
While the Tesla recruiters declined to comment, the protest made it clear that many on campus are questioning the ethical implications of supporting a company tied to Musk’s influence.
MSU board to vote on IM West demolition
A plan to demolish IM West, could be approved by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees at its upcoming Feb. 7 meeting.
The resolution to authorize the university to plan for IM West’s demolition is recommended by the board’s budget and finance committee, citing the aging building’s high refurbishment cost, functional obsolescence and inability to be repurposed for any other use.
“The majority of the facility is not air‐conditioned, ventilation does not comply with current standards and due to structural limitations, adding air conditioning is not feasible,” the board item’s resource impact statement states. “Windows are aged, inefficient, and most of the air handling units and fire protection systems are at the end of their useful life. Overall, the facility’s high energy consumption and outdated infrastructure make it a poor investment.”
Built in 1958, IM West is currently the largest recreational sports facility on campus containing 7,000 square feet dedicated to free weights as well as an indoor pool and a multipurpose gym that seats 650. The building also houses a variety of kinesiology and group fitness classes.
Demolition of IM West would be expected to occur in spring of 2027, after the Student Recreation and Wellness Center is opened. Most of IM West’s functions will be accommodated in the new 293,000-square-foot facility, although new locations for the wrestling program and kinesiology classes will need to be identified.
Once demolished, the site is slated to become additional parking and green space. The State News, in November, reported that additional green space where IM West currently stands could prevent flooding by the Red Cedar River by acting as a buffer.
Based on original reporting by Theo Scheer, Anish Topiwala and Emilio Perez Ibarguen.
