In a letter sent to MCC faculty and staff, President John Selmon explained the school’s decision to pause DEI programs was made as a direct result of a February 14th letter sent by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
The letter gave K-12 schools, colleges and universities 14 days to eliminate diversity initiatives, including “race-based decision-making”, or risk losing federal funding. The letter follows executive orders signed by President Trump.
MCC President Selmon said after reviewing the letter with legal counsel, the decision to pause DEI programs was made to “minimize the risk to any interruption of critical federal financial assistance relied upon by our students.”
Selmon said the school will continue to consult with legal counsel in the months ahead.
You can read both letters below.
Dear MCC Faculty and Staff,
At Muskegon Community College diversity, equity, and inclusion have been important aspects of our vision, mission, and strategic plan. We firmly believe that addressing achievement gaps, training and awareness of implicit bias, and encouraging a strong sense of belonging improves the success of our institution. I am proud of our leadership in this area on campus and in our community.
We recently received a “Dear Colleague” letter from the U.S. Department of Education. This letter sets forth the Department of Education’s current interpretation of federal law regarding non-discrimination in education on the basis of race, color or national origin. Our review of the letter with our legal counsel, in combination with the uncertain legal landscape regarding enforcement and implementation by the Education Department of that interpretation, has led us to conclude that employing personnel and conducting work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion could place absolutely necessary federal financial assistance at risk. There is related pending litigation brought by others challenging the administration’s positions and legal interpretations, and we are monitoring those proceedings. However, during this period of uncertainty, in consultation with legal counsel, MCC will be pausing programming and work in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion to minimize the risk of any interruption of critical federal financial assistance relied upon by our students.
Please join me in supporting and encouraging Ken James in his new role as Chief Compliance & Title IX Officer and Derrick King as the Director of Upward Bound beginning on February 28, 2025. I want to take this opportunity to thank both Ken and Derrick for their exceptional work and their continued contributions to our organization.
In consultation with legal counsel, MCC’s mission, vision, and strategic plan will be modified as follows:
Vision: An educated, thriving community.
Mission: Muskegon Community College, dedicated to excellence, prepares students, builds communities, and improves lives.
Access Goals: (1) Raise awareness of MCC (2) Meet enrollment goals while expanding opportunities for all students (3) Expand community engagement
Equal Opportunity Goals: (4) Create a culture of understanding and respect, (5) Enhance each student’s experience
Excellence Goals: (6) Improve outcomes for all students (7) Improve institutional effectiveness (8) Provide exceptional environments for effective teaching and learning (9) Increase transfer and career success of graduates.
The MCC Board of Trustees has directed me and the entire MCC Administration to continue to monitor this evolving situation and to consult with our legal counsel in the days, weeks, and months ahead. We will send further updates as they become available.
As always, our biggest responsibility is to do everything we can to help all students SUCCEED!
Best,
President Selmon.
