LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan State University says its newly revised Board of Trustees Code of Ethics is meant to promote professionalism, transparency and ethical leadership. But critics looking over the policy changes see something else entirely: a public university telling elected trustees to fall in line, stay publicly loyal after votes are cast, and think twice before speaking out against the board majority.
The revised policy approved during a special meeting requires trustees to publicly support majority board decisions and avoid undermining the board once a vote is taken. That may sound harmless in a corporate boardroom, but at a public university governed by elected officials, opponents say it edges dangerously close to punishing dissent.
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According to the revisions, trustees could face sanctions if they refuse to sign the revised code, including public censure, loss of travel privileges, immediate revocation of complimentary tickets to all home and away athletic events, removal from leadership roles, restrictions on representing the university and more. In other words: agree with the group or they have to watch football games from home like everyone else. Sanctions also pertain to those violating the code itself.
“Free expression” – with terms and conditions.
Ironically, the policy also claims trustees will support “open communication, transparency, and the free expression of ideas” – but that refers to board deliberations.
One controversial section suggests disagreements should stay behind closed doors before votes are finalized by saying trustees “will act consistent with our fiduciary duties, including the duty of loyalty – we will embrace the principle of loyal opposition and raise issues of concerns in appropriate settings, in advance of Board action, and protective of the integrity of the Board’s deliberations and processes.”
Revisions like this have raised concerns that elected trustees are signing away their rights to publicly criticizing decisions after the board acts – even when taxpayers, students, or faculty deserve to hear disagreements in plain English instead of polished PR statements. Bridge Michigan asks if the policy is a “loyalty guide,” while others have openly compared it to a gag order.
Hand over your phone, trustee.
Then there’s the investigative section. Trustees accused of ethics violations may be required to cooperate by turning over phones, devices, and records during investigations. The policy also states trustees under investigation would not receive university-funded indemnification or legal representation during those proceedings.
Trustees are required to sign the revised Code of Ethics and Conduct no later than May 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
