The Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards (EDEIA) ceremony took place Friday, Feb. 9, at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. The EDEIA recognizes the contributions of individuals and units that further diversity, equity and inclusion in: 

• Teaching 
• Research 
• Programming 
• Service 
• Community Outreach 
• Organizational change 

During the ceremony, Student Life & Engagement’s (SLE) Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) received the Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award for its efforts to create inclusive spaces across its units. Several REHS team members were present to accept the award on behalf of the department. 

Impactful Efforts 

The award represents the work of roughly 300 full-time team members and hundreds of student employees whose efforts help to foster a campus culture that empowers people to question and dismantle oppressive systems.  

“It is humbling to have been recognized in such a significant way, as there is still much work to do,” said Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Residence Halls Education Eduardo Olivo. “I am proud of many of our REHS staff members who have made the decision to disrupt oppressive systems that negatively impact our students and staff members.” 

Continuing Commitment 

REHS focuses on questioning and dismantling oppressive systems through DEI initiatives that align with the department's culture and principles. Core examples include:  

• The Racial Equity Impact Analysis Team 
• REHS Dialogues 
• The REHS DEI Dashboard 
• REHS Employee Resource Groups 
• The Gender-Inclusive Housing team 

“It is important to recognize those who spend significant time and effort in the process of neutralizing and mitigating harm and disparities across campus communities,” said Olivo. “This ceremony helps amplify how important it is to acknowledge the work and the voices of those who continue dreaming of a more just and equitable world.”

Beyond Michigan State University 

DEI is more than a core value for REHS, it is a collective ethical responsibility that extends beyond MSU.  

“Our overall goal is to elevate critical consciousness around centering the voice of the most marginalized, creating a community sense of care and interrogating inequities,” said Olivo. “As part of our mission, we aspire to become an anti-racist, anti-oppression department in SLE and MSU.” 

Much work remains, but the department values the work already done in support of its diverse student body and team. 

To read about the ceremony and the other awardees, visit 2023-24 Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards.