Michigan State University’s latest venture into the realm of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) is nothing short of a financial and cultural boondoggle, costing taxpayers and diverting precious educational resources. According to a College Fix analysis, MSU employs over 140 staff members to push forward 222 different DEI initiatives, costing more than a staggering $18 million in salaries. This includes projects as frivolous as an “inclusive language” guide that bizarrely advises against the use of “America” or any reference to Easter and Christmas in university communications.
These numbers are drawn from MSU’s own DEI reports and salary data from both the university and watchdog group Open the Books. Some of these DEI employees are tasked with creating resources like an “LGBTQIA2S+ Resource Guide,” which focuses on gender-affirming care for trans and non-binary individuals, a clear sign that the university is prioritizing ideological agendas over more pressing academic needs.
The university’s efforts to sanitize language—to the point of recommending against the mention of “eggs” and “chicks” during Easter or “Christmas trees” during the holiday season—illustrate a troubling shift away from traditional American cultural expressions in favor of a radical, divisive agenda. Such initiatives are not only a waste of resources but also a potential alienation of the broader university community.
Moreover, it’s disconcerting that 25% of these DEI goals remain unstarted and only 10% are fully implemented. This suggests a lack of clear direction and effectiveness in their DEI endeavors, which seem more about appearances than actual impactful change.
This situation at MSU is a microcosm of a larger issue within public universities across the nation, where DEI initiatives often overshadow fundamental educational goals. It’s a clear misallocation of resources that could otherwise enhance student education and faculty support
It’s high time for taxpayers and lawmakers to scrutinize such spending. As the Mackinac Center for Public Policy pointed out, billions are funneled into public universities with little accountability for the outcomes. This isn’t just about fiscal responsibility; it’s about preserving the integrity of our educational institutions and ensuring they serve their primary purpose—education, not indoctrination. Legislators must reconsider how funds are allocated to state universities to ensure that taxpayer investments yield genuine educational returns rather than funding an ever-expanding bureaucracy devoted to DEI.
