Trump has ordered multiple executive orders attacking Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the days since taking office.
One of these executive orders directly affects colleges’ funding for programs using DEI language or even scholarships. Trump has even given schools a deadline of two weeks, March 4th, to cut these or they risk losing funding.
So, how can this affect Millikin? Millikin’s own mission statement values creating opportunities for building and sustaining a sense of community at Millikin. The university is heavy on valuing diversity, equity and inclusion and is often always stated when discussing Millikin.
Millikin is a liberal arts college with a vast population of LGBTQ+ and POC students so many would be affected by any negative change. Thankfully, Millikin University mainly gets their funds from private donors, being a private university.
There are, however, some major worries. There are two major federal grants Millikin has received that would potentially fit Trump’s order, the $2.23 million Title III grant and the $1 million National Science Foundation Grant.
Title III is a section of the Elementary and and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The purpose of the title is to help college students whose initial language isn’t English and help them with academic challenges associated with that.
The university was granted the Title III Strengthening Institutions grant. This grant helps universities to become self–sufficient as well as better help their low-income students. The grant can help low-income students by providing additional resources and the budget to push a strong plan to help students.
Both grants utilize diversity and inclusion to help low-income students and help lower the retention rate.
Brandon Cockburn, the director of Title III and C-Ideas at Millikin University has indicated that Millikin University is currently looking into the matter and as of now, the university will be continuing to follow their goal of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a sense of belonging at Millikin.
“I want our students to feel safe and secure and that they have a sense of belonging at the institution,” Cockburn said. “While we’re trying to figure out how to navigate the current space together and gather more information, we will share information to our students as quickly as possible to make sure they feel safe and secure at this university.”
Meanwhile, while we wait for precise information, if any Millikin student wishes to discuss more about their future at the university, feel free to reach out to the Student Success Center or Campus Life on the 3rd floor of University Commons.
Considering the current events, students experiencing mental health problems or anxiousness are encouraged to reach out to DMH Millikin Health Clinic on 150 S Fairview Ave for free mental health counseling. All Millikin counselors are trained and willing to take in patients regardless of what minority group you may be in.
If you wish to schedule an appointment with any of Millikin’s counselors, feel free to reach out to Student Mental and Behavioral Health Services Director, Christopher Morell at [email protected].
As the university gathers further information, it is of the utmost importance to urge for the current president of Millikin University, Jim Reynolds, to send out a clear, transparent, public statement to all involved at Millikin, about any potential changes or setbacks for Millikin’s mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
