EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan State University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Impact recently held their biannual conference on antisemitism and Islamophobia “to engage the campus community on these important topics.” This came weeks after the MSU Chabad Jewish Center was targeted with antisemitic vandalism. But in a decision that seems a little ironic for an inclusive event, the event’s registration page bluntly barred the media from attending, citing the “sensitive nature” of the conversation.
Dialog under wraps.
Organizers say limiting attendance to registered students, faculty and staff (who had to register ahead of time to get approved to attend) created a “sense of intimacy and safety.” That “intimacy” came at the cost of excluding the very thing that lets the broader public judge whether such conversations are effective and unbiased: independent reporting. Even those in attendance were told that they couldn’t make any recordings during the event.
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Professor Mohammad Khalil, one of the professors speaking at the closed-door event which reportedly only included 12 attendees according to the Detroit Jewish News, told the State News that his presentation focused on dispelling misconceptions of Muslims and educating attendees more about the religion – including discussing the subject of Islamophobia. What he said and what else happened at the event is under wraps.
Parents organize as campus concerns grow.
As administrators and speakers are assumed to have spoken on education and understanding, some families say the general campus climate across the country tells a different story and that more support is needed for students on campus. In response to rising antisemitism and a broader feeling of unease on college campuses, including at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, a grassroots advocacy effort has been mobilizing in Michigan. Mothers Against College Antisemitism (MACA) has been active in building community support and advocacy for Jewish students since October 2023, organizing students, parents and families to raise awareness about campus climate issues and to stand in solidarity with students who feel marginalized or threatened.
A parent-led network takes root in Michigan.
This non-profit organization recently launched a Michigan chapter. Michigan organizer, Stephanie Joy Sage, from Bloomfield Township, told the Detroit Jewish News that when she heard about MACA, “It’s mission immediately resonated with me. After years of advocating for inclusion, as well as standing against antisemitism, MACA felt like the natural next step.” She went on to say, “We are building a secure and trusted statewide parent network so families can stay informed about campus climate, share concerns and support one another in real time.”
Community advocacy emerges alongside university efforts.
In the end, MSU’s closed-door approach raises a simple question: if university leaders truly believe these conversations are constructive, balanced, and effective, why keep them hidden? While university administrators emphasized inclusion and dialogue within the confines of the conference, parents and community members have pursued separate efforts to support students they believe need additional advocacy. The contrast highlights an ongoing discussion about the role transparency plays in building trust and accountability in campus initiatives – no matter how many people actually show up.
