Madi Embry. The ugly effect the DEI ban will have on the beauty of MSSTATE's culture

DEI, also known as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, are practices and frameworks found within many businesses and, more relevantly, college campuses, to ensure fair treatment to often underrepresented groups. The recent dismantling of DEI initiatives, spurred by federal pressure and the current presidential administration, will reshape the landscape of higher education, altering student dynamics and culture.
           

In February, Mississippi Legislature Mississippi State’s DEI office, now referred to as the Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, boasts a wide range of services to students, including the Holmes Center and the Promise Student Program. According to a 2023 news release by State Auditor Shad White, Mississippi universities spent almost $11 million dollars in state funds on programs such as these in 2023. Pulling state funding means that schools will no longer have this money to keep DEI programs running, and students may lose access to the support helping get them through college. This impact will reflect in the students’ ability to foster community on campus. Cultural events and clubs will no longer have the means to reach students, shutting off much-needed safe spaces and communities.

Many of these programs offer counseling and support to students, attracting those who are struggling and looking for help. By removing DEI funding and cutting staff within these programs, the state is potentially cutting off a struggling student's chance to become successful. Removing the support low-income students, students of color, and first generation students need lessens their chances to break a generational cycle.

Higher education is also incredibly important for the development of interpersonal skills. People come to Mississippi State from all over the world. Students with deep southern-rooted racism and homophobia are able to become better people because they sat next to a foreign exchange student or a transgender student in class. The melting pot that is State's campus provides students with the opportunity to overcome their differences with others, an experience too meaningful to take away. According to St. Catherine University's article How Learning About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Helps Employees, " DEI education plays a significant role in promoting empathy and emotional intelligence," This is the complimentary education college offers when a student pays to get a degree: versatility.

Students are not the only members of the MSstate community that benefits from DEI programs. They often help to provide educators with the same opportunities for success. Professors bear the responsibility to support this development in the classroom. According to Dr. Liliana M. Garces' essay - in a series of expert responses entitled Divisive, Excessive, and Ineffective: The Real Impact of DEI on College Campuses - "Such negative interactions are associated with unfavorable outcomes, such as reductions in civic engagement, self-confidence, and moral reasoning skills." Without the necessary resources guiding educators on teaching students from all walks of life, their ability to give students the most meaningful academic experience is greatly diminished. In addition, the responsibilities the staff of these programs were taking on may fall on other faculty, an increase in workload that could increase burnout potential across the board.

Every student at Mississippi State University deserves the chance to not just succeed, but thrive. Those who don't deem DEI essential are those that it is not intended to benefit. Not only will the community and inclusivity of the campus be altered, State's ability to ensure an equitable education for all will as well. Students cannot support a school that does not support them.

Email me at mee207@msstate.edu with any questions

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