Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goes beyond fulfilling a moral obligation. It supports people of varying identities from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Celebrating DEI through education is one way to honor and support these populations. July 10-11, Michigan State University (MSU) hosted the Inclusive Impact Conference, presented by the Inclusive Campus Initiative (ICI), part of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement (SLE).

The conference, themed Reframing DEI: Solidarity, Advocacy, and Partnership, emphasized allyship, decentering fear and empowering communities during anti-DEI legislation and backlash. The event united DEI practitioners, educators and community members across Michigan and beyond to learn, collaborate and co-develop solutions to DEI challenges. 

Hearing From Professionals

The conference featured keynote speakers and panelists who urged a need for change. July 10, Senior Vice President for SLE Vennie Gore opened the event, followed by anti-racism writer and educator, Tim Wise. The next day, educator and advocate for Indigenous education, Melissa Isaac opened. Later, MSU’s Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas D. Jeitschko spoke, followed by Michigan state representative for the 13th House District Mai Xiong. The conference ended with a closing statement from, the Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad.

July 11 featured six breakout sessions and a plenary panel. The breakout sessions covered key DEI topics including rebranding DEI in collegiate athletics, the power of global advocacy and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. It also highlighted healing-centered and trauma-informed practices, as well as digital accessibility and DEI advocacy and partnerships. The Office of Global Michigan (OGM) led the plenary panel, Advancing Equity and Extending Inclusion. It explored empowering immigrant, refugee, underrepresented and marginalized communities across Michigan.

A Team Effort

Dr. Meaghan Kozar has been part of the Spartan community for over 20 years. Kozar advised the Asian Pacific American Studies (APASO) program. She serves as the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT) Coordinator, and acts as the Project Manager for the Inclusive Campus Initiative (ICI). Kozar works to remove barriers between marginalized students, staff and administration by creating supportive spaces to meet.

The OCAT team elevated this fourth campus partner summit by promoting it across Michigan and beyond. Dr. Kozar praised the planning committee for identifying and recruiting outstanding speakers and panelists who engaged with current DEI issues.

“The Inclusive Impact Conference exceeded our expectations and then some,” said Kozar. “I learned so much. It was the recharge and source of inspiration many of us needed. I am very proud of this collective effort to host a life-changing experience. I am grateful for all the people involved and the many campus partner sponsors.”

Fostering and Sponsoring Inclusion

The conference showcased the power of community and teamwork in advancing DEI. The event united DEI practitioners, educators and community members from around Michigan to address current challenges and inspire action. Powerful keynote speakers and panelists renewed attendees' commitment and passion for a more inclusive society.

The Inclusive Impact Conference was made possible by the extensive planning of MSU’s OCAT department and the support of generous sponsors, including:

• MSU Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement
• Broad College of Business
• Chicano/Latino Studies
• College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• College of Human Medicine
• College of Natural Science
• College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Department of History
• Department of Police & Public Safety
• Graduate School International Studies & programs
• Native American Institute
• Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
• Office of the Provost
• Office of Undergraduate Education
• University Health & Wellbeing

ICI will continue addressing DEI issues and needs impacting historically marginalized and vulnerable populations. To learn more about MSU’s Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions Inclusive Campus Initiative visit ocat.msu.edu/inclusive-campus-initiative. 

Author: Olivia Williams, student communications assistant