Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Governmental Sphere
ASMSU recently created a CDEIO (Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office) position, about to begin for the second year in a row. However, DEI is something that we must all recognize our role in actively working toward the goals of. In the Gov Affairs realm I hope to work directly with CORES and COPS coalition, as well as the CDEIO to ensure our department is doing everything it can internally and externally to create a more equitable environment for all students.
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This issue takes on a personal note for me. As the child of a Taiwanese immigrant and growing up in the rural Upper Peninsula, I spent the first 18 years of my life feeling out of place and unqualified. I felt alienated in the governmental world, though I yearned to be a part of it. When I came to MSU I realized that my identity was a strength rather than something to keep to myself. I also learned that I had a lot to learn about other cultures and groups that I had not encountered in my small home town. I've taken that responsibility upon myself by reading, talking to friends from different backgrounds, and attending events to listen and learn. I want to ensure that every student feels comfortable coming to me, working with me, and being an advocate. This is my plan, though I hope it can expand as I work with other groups to expand our reach.
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DEI collaborative Legislator forums
While we often meet with elected officials, how often do the topics of DEI come up? I hope to work closely with the DEI office to invite legislatures to campus and have an open forum, either a panel or a roundtable, where students can ask their representatives directly about DEI concerns.
DEI focused voter registration
Last fall, I worked with APASO and other CORES and COPS groups to conduct voter registration. This year I hope to do the same. I also want to do a forum discussing the results of the latest major election and talk about the breakdown of student vote based on class, race, ethnicity, and on/off campus status. I hope to have an open discussion about how we can better ensure that our registration efforts are targeting populations with lower registration or turnout numbers.
Working together
I commit to working closely with CORES and COPS groups. I want to sit down at the beginning of the year with the CDEIO and discuss how the Gov Affairs Department can work on internal DEI, and then hold feedback sessions for ways to improve externally.
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I know I do not have all of the answers, which is why it's important to have real discussions about what needs to happen in the future and how our department can work with CORES/COPS groups to better advocate for everyone.