I can still recall the exact moment I read the email.

I was in the Slate office overseeing the first print edition of the semester alongside Megan Sawka, the managing editor. It was the first day of classes, my first production as Editor-in-Chief and my first time using a beach waver – which I will never be doing again. It’s safe to say that all of these “firsts” put my stress level through the roof. 

Around noon, I got an email from SU Assistant Vice President for Inclusion, Belonging and Social Equity Manuel Ruiz, Ph.D., that included information about MSA’s annual “A Quilt To Cover Us All” event. I was thrilled because this event is one of my favorites and serves as The Slate’s front cover story for the Diversity Week print edition. 

When I reached the fourth line of the email, I paused. The first six words of the sentence read, “We will be celebrating SUnity Week...” SUnity Week? Since when was that a thing?

I turned to Megan and announced what I had just read, and her confusion mirrored my own. We both began to question the change and decided to reach out to the university for an official statement. 

SU Director of Communications and Marketing Megan Silverstrim said, “The transition to SUnity Week was because [we] wanted to bring some university specific branding to the week, but that the goals remain the same.” 

SU loves a good play on words in their branding, so the change makes sense in that respect. But I must admit, the timing is a little ironic. 

At the beginning of the year, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14173, which aims to dismantle DEI initiatives within federal government agencies and contractors. The administration justified the order with its argument that DEI violates American civil rights laws and undermines the importance of individual merit. 

A common theme throughout the order is the command to “cease promoting diversity.” Furthermore, Section 5 of the article specifically targets higher education agencies and institutions by recommending they adhere to the verdict of Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, 600 U.S. 181 (2023). But surely the change to SUnity Week has nothing to do with any of this. After all, “Ship Happens.”

In all seriousness, this attack on DEI makes me question: when did diversity become a bad thing? I have always believed that our differences deserve to be celebrated, not weaponized. 

DEI was designed to ensure fair treatment, equal access and a sense of belonging for all people in the workplace. It ensures that a work application cannot be cast aside based on an individual’s race, gender, sexuality, etc. It does not permit companies to choose unqualified candidates just because they are a minority; rather, it prevents discrimination. 

Celebrating diversity is not about exclusion, and it certainly is not a threat to America. It’s about expanding the conversation so more voices are heard and valued in a society where they are suppressed. The politicization of this concept only benefits people with the most privilege. 

At the end of the day, it is not just about what we call a week of campus activities. It’s about whether our campus is truly committed to the values of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

SUnity week without accountability isn’t just a rebrand. It’s compliance.

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