OPINION By Dr. Rema Vassar, Former Chair of Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees
Michigan State University (MSU) prides itself on its historical and contemporary commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Yet the lived experiences of many Black students, at MSU tells a different story. Systemic racism, racial violence, and the lack of adequate support are stark reminders that the fight for racial equity in education is far from over at MSU and many universities across the US. USC professor, Dr. Shaun Harper, in a recent article, highlighted the fact that Black students everywhere are not just struggling with discrimination—they are fighting for their basic dignity and safety. MSU’s Black Student Alliance (BSA) has long been at the forefront of advocacy for change, but as incidents of hate and discrimination persist, the university’s new leadership has the opportunity to fulfill its potential and promise to enact equity and inclusion.
Michigan’s Political Landscape: A Call for Change and Representation
The struggles Black students face at MSU exist within a broader context of racial inequality in Michigan. In the past few years, the state has seen both progress and setbacks. The most recent setback came with the devastating results of this election, when Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid for the presidency was robustly refused. MSU students who lead the nation at a voting rate that is 10.6% higher than the college campuses’ national average, made their voices heard through their ballots, as they always do. Many were disappointed with the election results. Most Black students, however, were disheartened and discouraged. Unfortunately, the results reflect Michigan’s political landscape which deeply lacks Black representation. This lack of political representation affects the policies that impact education, civil rights, and racial justice. As Michigan’s political leadership remains disproportionate, the voices and needs of Black communities—especially Black students—are often silenced and ignored.
Racial Violence and Institutional Failure: A Public Reckoning
In 2021, I proffered testimony before the Michigan Senate that brought attention to systemic racism and racial disparities that continue to plague the state. Three years later, my words are not just a reflection of the struggles faced by Michigan’s Black residents, but a call to action for the very institutions that should be leading the fight for racial justice, including Michigan State University.
The racial tensions that I experienced growing up and spoke about in my testimony continue to manifest in harmful and dangerous ways, both in Michigan’s political halls and on the MSU campus. In a troubling moment just last week, a pro-gun advocate used the N-word during testimony before the same senate; this is a stark reminder of the deep-seated racial animus still at play in the state’s political culture.
For Black students at MSU, incidents of racial violence like this are not isolated; they are part of a larger, pattern of hostility and marginalization. It is clear that bigotry and anti-Black racism are not just issues of individual prejudice, but are deeply embedded in Michigan’s institutions, from the Capitol, which is only a few miles from MSU, to all university campuses.
My words before the state senate, indeed my entire life’s work, compel the urgent need for education systems—particularly universities—to confront their role in perpetuating racial inequities. Institutions like MSU must actively work to dismantle barriers that prevent Black students from thriving. It is unrealistic and unfair to expect the fight to be left to students alone.
Time to Deliver on the Promise of Education
MSU has an opportunity to be a leader in higher education when it comes to addressing racial injustice, but only if it takes bold, decisive action. MSU’s new president, Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, has made the success of all students—including students of color—the cornerstone of his leadership. Together, we must act now to continue to create a university that is committed to the success, safety, and well-being of Black students.
Concrete Actions for Real Change
MSU’s leadership must recognize that it is time to move beyond symbolic gestures and performative acts of diversity. Real, lasting change is needed. Here are actions MSU should take immediately to address the systemic racism that continues to undermine Black students’ success:
- Zero Tolerance for Racial Violence and Harassment: MSU must implement a clear, zero-tolerance policy for all forms of racial violence, including hate speech and physical assault. This policy should be backed by swift and decisive action against perpetrators, and the university must be transparent in its efforts to resolve these incidents. Black students should never feel that their safety and dignity are secondary to the university’s reputation.
- Expand Resources for Black Students: MSU must commit to increasing resources dedicated to Black students, including mentorship programs, academic support, and counseling services that are culturally responsive, dedicated, sustainable, and accessible. These resources should be designed to help Black students navigate the challenges they face both inside and outside the classroom, and to empower them to succeed.
- Anti-Racism Education Across the Campus: Every student, faculty member, and administrator at MSU should undergo mandatory, ongoing anti-racism training. This education should go beyond simply raising awareness and should focus on actionable strategies to combat anti-Black racism in both academic and social settings.
- Increase Diversity in Faculty and Administration: MSU must continue to work to diversify its faculty, staff, and leadership. The university needs to recruit and retain more Black professors, counselors, and administrators who can offer mentorship and sponsorship and serve as advocates for the needs of Black students. Representation matters, and it’s critical that Black students see themselves reflected in the leadership of their university.
- Support and Amplify the Black Student Alliance: The Black Student Alliance has been a tireless advocate for Black students at MSU. MSU should provide greater institutional backing for the BSA’s initiatives and give them a seat at the table when decisions are made about campus policies, safety, and support services.
Black students, BSA, please know that I see you. I hear you. I believe you. I applaud your advocacy for your safety and sense of belonging and admire your activism for transformative change. You are the moral conscience of the campus, and you are necessary. I want the best for you, for us. MSU can and will help you realize your goals, reach your potential, and charter your own course for our collective success.
Hope for the Future
Take heart in the fact that there are numerous examples of Black alumni who embody the power and promise of a Spartan education. Alumni like Felicia Turrentine Wasson and Endea Owens, a Detroit-raised recording artist, bassist, and composer, demonstrate the transformative potential of MSU’s programs, faculty, and staff. Their stories are proof that, with the right support and opportunities, Black students can break through barriers, reach the highest levels of achievement, and go on to make profound contributions to society. MSU is the right place at the right time to bravely confront and conquer anti-Black racism and once again serve as an exemplar of progress. Spartans will.
Dr. Rema Vassar is a former K-12 public school teacher, counselor, and administrator. She currently organizes students and parents for the holistic wellness of school communities, and she was the first Black woman to chair Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees prior to resigning in 2024.