A panel was held on Monday to address concerns students have regarding new government policies regarding immigration reform, deportations, and the crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Vice President of Student Affairs Laura Bulleit, Dean of Students Kellie Raffaelli, and Director of Student Support and Membership Juliea Keleher came together with the help of USG Public Affairs to answer concerns.
Before the Q&A started, Bulleit wanted to address the rumor that the meeting was only about removing international PhD students. “They are a vital part of this campus; we would never ask them to leave,” said Raffaelli. The rules that international students must follow are different from those of students who are U.S. citizens. International students must follow the guidelines of their visas, which is something that MTU has and will continue to help with. The panelists acknowledged that many students may feel uncertain or scared because of what is happening on other campuses. Raffaelli suggests “to be as boring as possible, ” ensuring international students follow the guidelines, so they don’t get flagged by USCIS. “If something were to happen to a student, we would do our best to help and support them,“ added Bulleit. If students have questions about where to find their immigration status or where to find their visa guidelines, they can go to the international programs and services office or email the director, Christian Montesinos.
An attending student inquired about the policies banning DEI language and how it would affect students’ speech. Bulleit stated that Tech takes “free speech very seriously;” she wants to allow the voices of the student body to express their own opinions. Laura Putwen, Assistant Dean of Community Conduct, emphasized, “Tech has a statement of what they will and will not risk. We value freedom of speech!” With the support of the school administration, RSOs and student rights groups can act on their First Amendment rights without the fear of DEI restrictions causing issues.
The DEI government policy caused some changes within the student guidelines. Changes to Title IX included the removal of punishments for misgendering students and specified the existence of only two genders. However, harassment of gender identity or expression “will be addressed,” said Putwen. The biggest ramifications are surrounding federal funds. “You have to clarify that you are not in association with the specific terminology of DEI,” said Bulleit. If MTU were to be found not in compliance with the Executive Orders, Tech could lose research grants or federal funding. “We didn’t want to jeopardize that, the impact is too important.”
When transitioning away from DEI, many employees affected had their official titles changed in compliance, as retaining staff was a high priority. “No one lost their jobs,” proclaimed Bulleit. “People got promotions,” adds Keleher. Going forward, the staff in the Student Support and Membership office looks to expand their reach to students, “…getting the word out and being as visible as possible to allow students to ask questions,” says Keleher. Next fall, the staff at the Hamar House will be relocating to a larger space in the Alumni Building.
The new orientation week format was also addressed. Raffaelli stated, “There are two main events for incoming students; one is in the summer and the other happens during normal O-week” The purpose of the split difference was “summer is academic focus for Essential Ed – Essential Ed will allow students to have a voice in what classes they will take for the upcoming school year,” said Raffaelli. “Students do not take the ALEKS seriously,” Bulleit adds. Tech wanted to ensure students could get the correct placement before coming. Incorrect math placements can hinder a student’s academic success. “Traditions of O-week, such as Taste of Tech [Traditions], will not change,” Raffaelli insisted. Returning students’ move-in days will be Sunday, Aug. 17, and Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 24.
