Today’s weather forecast is predicting sunshine and some clouds with periods of light rain and snow later in the evening with a high of 46 degrees and a low of 33 degrees.
Sunrise Movement protests federal policies, MSU’s response
Last Friday, students gathered outside Michigan State University’s Hannah Administration Building to voice their frustrations over the Trump administration’s policies and the university’s response. Organized by Sunrise Movement MSU, the protest focused on issues like MSU’s ties to fossil fuels, calls for divestment from Israel, and the impact of federal policies on higher education.
The students presented a list of demands for MSU, including adopting the Green New Deal, supporting reparative justice for marginalized communities, making the campus fully accessible, expanding public transportation, and ensuring fair wages for campus workers.
Olivia Schaefer, a junior and membership chair for Sunrise Movement MSU, emphasized that the protest had two main goals: urging MSU to back the Green New Deal and to take a strong stance against harmful federal policies. Schaefer also pointed out MSU’s failure to follow through on its own 2012 Energy Transition Plan, which aimed to increase renewable energy use but was largely abandoned.
Students also raised concerns about the Trump administration’s impact on higher education, including ICE arrests of college students and cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Protesters chanted, “Whose campus? Our campus!” and held signs calling for action.
As the protest ended, students made it clear that they will continue to fight for change, demanding that MSU take stronger, preventative action on these issues.
Associated Students of MSU wrap up 61st general assembly session
At their general assembly meeting last Thursday, the Associated Students of MSU wrapped up their 61st session, passing several impactful bills for the 2024-2025 academic year.
One key bill, 61-103, introduced by Aesha Zakaria, advocates for a no-homework policy during scheduled breaks and holidays to reduce student stress. It passed with majority support. Another bill, 61-104, also by Zakaria, calls for paid wages for undergraduate research assistants, addressing the issue of students working without compensation. This bill, too, passed with majority approval.
Bill 61-108, introduced by Kaylin Casper, proposes a living-learning community for Native students to address cultural isolation and improve retention rates. The bill passed unanimously. Casper also introduced Bill 61-109, calling for a land acknowledgment plaque at MSU, which also passed after a lengthy approval process.
Bill 61-110, introduced by Jacob Doss, advocates for transparency in course material costs by requiring them to be marked during course scheduling. This bill passed with majority support. Bill 61-117, by Deonte Sparks, calls for extended hours at Owen Dining Hall, especially on weekends, to increase accessibility for students with dietary restrictions. This bill was also approved.
In terms of campus safety, Bill 61-118, introduced by Pavithra Elavarasan, seeks a formal policy for timely notifications on safety threats, improving communication with the MSU community. It passed with majority approval. Lastly, Bill 61-119, introduced by Sparks, urges MSU to remain proactive in light of potential closures within the Department of Education, particularly regarding impacts on student resources and financial aid. This bill passed as well.
These bills reflect MSU students’ ongoing efforts to improve campus life and ensure fair policies for all.
VIM fashion show gives a look ‘Behind the Seams’
Last Thursday, the Pasant Theater at Wharton Center was alive with excitement as the VIM spring 2025 fashion show showcased the work of 20 student designers. The show, themed “Behind the Seams,” gave designers the freedom to draw inspiration from any source, offering a diverse and creative collection of looks.
The night kicked off with a video featuring the designers discussing the stories behind their collections. Josephine Deveau, co-director of fashion relations, shared the motivation behind this year’s theme, explaining it was a chance to spotlight the designers and their personal journeys, breaking away from previous themes.
One standout designer, Kaiya Truong, spent countless late nights preparing her Japanese streetwear-inspired collection, blending streetwear with chic styles. Apparel and textile design senior Zoe Jansen, who also modeled her own designs, showcased a series of ball gowns inspired by women in her life and literary female characters, including a hand-beaded dress that took over 100 hours to perfect.
Other designers brought their creativity to life with pieces ranging from edgy, punk-inspired leather outfits to 70s-inspired ensembles with vibrant colors and film camera props.
As the runway filled with unique styles, the show concluded with a final walk, celebrating the hard work and creativity of MSU’s student designers. The event was a powerful reminder of the talent and vision that thrives within the MSU community.
Based on original reporting by Demonte Thomas, Anish Topiwala and Victoria Winfield.
