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MSU ending affirmative action in employment to comply with Trump order
Michigan State University is ending its use of affirmative action in employment practices related to race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin. The move comes in response to a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump called “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”
That order, which was effective April 21, repeals a 1965 law that required federal contractors, like MSU, to implement affirmative action policies. Although Michigan banned affirmative action in public university admissions and hiring back in 2006, MSU continued some practices to maintain federal funding. With the law now rescinded, the university says it must fully remove all affirmative action language from hiring policies, websites, job postings, and official letterheads.
According to an internal email obtained by The State News, MSU’s General Counsel directed campus units to follow suit. The university emphasized that its commitment to equal opportunity and inclusive hiring remains, even as these formal affirmative action requirements are phased out.
Importantly, protections for veterans and people with disabilities remain unaffected.
‘Good people on both sides’: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan pushes for unity at MSU forum
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan made a stop at Michigan State University on Monday, joining students for two discussions on the future of Michigan. Hosted at MSU’s brand-new Multicultural Center, the student-led sessions focused on public policy and business, drawing participants from James Madison College and the Broad College of Business.
The key takeaway? Students are ready to move past political divides. Cassidy Conley, youth organizing director for Duggan’s campaign, said both sessions centered on solutions, not party lines.
Duggan didn’t shy away from tough questions, asking students what they would do if they were governor. One law student pointed to Detroit’s heavy reliance on the auto industry, calling for innovation that honors the city’s cultural roots. Another highlighted the need for better public transit and higher population density–ideas Duggan said he’s passionate about.
The mayor, now running for governor as an independent, stressed that Michigan’s biggest challenges require bipartisan cooperation.
“I disagree with people,” Duggan said, “but they don’t have to be evil. There’s good people on both sides. And I’m going to work with them.”
Eco-friendly tradition: MSU’s graduation gowns made from recycled plastic
As Michigan State University seniors gear up for May commencement, there’s one final item on the to-do list–picking up caps and gowns. But what many students might not realize is that their graduation gear is also a quiet nod to sustainability.
Since 2016, MSU has partnered with Oak Hall Cap and Gown to supply regalia made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Each gown is crafted from 23 to 27 bottles, and the material is softer, wrinkle-resistant, and eco-friendly.
Molly Chrome, retail manager at the Spartan Spirit Shop, says the switch to sustainable gowns aligned with MSU’s values. The university ranks among the top 25 globally for sustainability and continues to push green initiatives campus-wide.
Graduate student Kennedy Robinson said learning about the recycled materials changed her perspective. “Every little thing counts,” she said. “It’s on-brand for MSU.”
After the ceremony, students can donate or recycle their gowns–but few do. Chrome says recycling is an option, but it’s not widely used. Robinson added that if MSU offered store credit for returns, more grads might be willing to give their gowns a second life.
Based on original reporting by Emilio Perez Ibarguen, Robin Han and Shealyn Paulis.
