A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Michigan State University on February 4, 2025. The request, made by the media organization Great Lakes Wire, seeks specific information related to university communications and policies.
Great Lakes Wire is seeking all emails sent or received by any university employee within the last 12 months that contain any of the following words: BIPOC, Indigenous, Latinx, Diversity, and Non-white. This request aims to shed light on how these terms are being used in internal communications within the institution.
Additionally, Great Lakes Wire has requested all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements issued or used within the last year by the university for any official purpose. This includes hiring practices, admissions processes, and policy communications.
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at Great Lakes Wire believe access to public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
Given our role in disseminating information to the public, we have also requested a fee waiver as a media professional under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq.
The outcome of this FOIA request will help us continue our mission of informing our readers about local government affairs with accuracy and integrity.
