Uncertainly about a recent executive order signed by President Trump has lead Michigan State University to cancel its annual Chinese New Year lunch.
The Bridge Michigan reports the lunch has typically been a low-profile affair attended by just a few dozen students.
“This decision comes in response to concerns shared by members of our community regarding the current issuance of Executive Orders related to immigration and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI),” said Lauren Gaines, director of the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in an email obtained by The Bridge.
According to Inside Higher Education, other campuses have canceled events as well. Rutgers shut down a conference on apprenticeships and historically Black colleges.
The College of Communications Arts and Sciences and WKAR had been planning to host the luncheon at MSU before the cancelation.
However, another email obtained by State News from Dean Heidi Hennink-Kaminski seemed to distance herself from the decision.
“I ask you to view this decision not as a statement of policy, but rather as an appropriate on-the-ground response given a very short decision window and input from students who voiced concerns about gathering for this cultural celebration,” she wrote.
This isn’t the first MSU event canceled. It also canceled a panel on the “Future of DEI Policy at MSU.”
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