In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) is navigating uncharted waters, as the reverberations of President Donald Trump’s executive orders ripple through its campus. On April 7, the university’s Undergraduate Student Government hosted a Q&A session to address the policy changes and their implications, sparking a dialogue that could reshape the mining industry’s engagement with academia.
The panel, comprising Vice President of Student Affairs Laura Bulleit, Dean of Students Kelly Raffaelli, and Director for Student Support and Mentorship Julia Keleher, began by addressing the elephant in the room: international students. Contrary to the alarming news from Harvard and other Ivy League institutions, Michigan Tech assured its international students that their visas remain intact, and they are not being asked to leave. Raffaelli emphasized the importance of international students, stating, “They are a vital and important part of this campus.” This reassurance is crucial for the mining industry, which relies heavily on international talent to fill skill gaps and drive innovation.
However, the panel also delivered a stark message regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Due to the recent executive orders, all references to DEI must be removed, and universities cannot engage in DEI-related activities. Non-compliance could result in the loss of federal funding, including research grants—a significant blow to any institution. Bulleit underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Those opportunities for federal funds are not something Michigan Tech wanted to jeopardize, because the effect would be disastrous for our students.”
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is one of the most visible casualties of these policy changes. The center’s staff will now operate under the Center for Student Support and Mentorship, and the CDI name will be phased out. Keleher, who leads the center, explained that the focus will shift towards social support and access to resources, with an emphasis on non-traditional and transfer students, as well as neurodiverse students. “Our main goal is to make sure students thrive at Michigan Tech,” Bulleit affirmed. This shift could have far-reaching implications for the mining industry, which is increasingly recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and inclusive work environments.
The panel also addressed concerns about Title IX policies, particularly regarding transgender athletes. While references to sexual orientation and gender identity have been removed, the university remains committed to addressing harassment. Assistant Dean of Community Conduct Laura Putwen, who was not on the panel but spoke from the audience, assured students that the changes would be minimal and non-alarming.
As the mining industry looks to the future, it must consider the potential impacts of these policy changes on its relationship with academia. Universities like Michigan Tech are crucial partners in research, innovation, and workforce development. The shift away from DEI initiatives could limit the industry’s access to diverse talent pools and hinder its ability to foster inclusive work environments. Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding federal funding could affect the industry’s ability to collaborate with universities on cutting-edge research projects.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The panel’s commitment to supporting students, regardless of their background or identity, is a beacon of hope. The mining industry should take note and double down on its own DEI efforts, ensuring that it remains an attractive and inclusive destination for the next generation of talent. After all, as Bulleit put it, “We have tried to remain true to Michigan Tech. Who we are, what we are, and what we do.” The mining industry should strive for the same level of authenticity and commitment.
