“DEI is not just about jobs and hiring people based on skin color and social identities," he said. "It’s about representation and trying to make sure that the entire American population is served and accounted for.

"Things like gender-neutral bathrooms, family bathrooms and accessibility options—the reason why there’s braille on signs is because of DEI. The reason why there are lights on fire alarms is because of DEI. DEI isn’t what makes companies bad; it’s what makes them good because they’re being mindful of people.”

This discussion was a part of 'Hot Wings & Hot Topics' event on Feb. 17, which was an opportunity for CMU students to share their thoughts on the United States' President Donald Trump's executive orders.

Marlanna Baptiste also talked about (DEI) programs, which have faced political and legal challenges, at the event. She discussed executive orders under Donald Trump's administration that sought to dismantle DEI programs, particularly within federal agencies.

She said that major companies, including Walmart and McDonald’s, have started eliminating DEI programs due to legal and political pressures. While CMU has not yet been affected, Baptiste encouraged attendees to consider how these changes could impact future generations.

Matthew McLaughlin presented on DEI in aviation, discussing a recent American Airlines jet crash.

He said claims from the Trump administration attributed blame to DEI initiatives in aviation, as well as policies under the Barack Obama and Joe Biden administrations and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

McLaughlin also highlighted other recent incidents, including a medical jet crash in Philadelphia, a Boeing Air jet crash in Alaska, and a runway incident in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Executive Order Defining “Sex,” “Female” and “Male"

Logan Douglas, Central Michigan University senior, talked about the executive order issued by the White House that defines biological sex in strict terms, stating that “sex” refers to an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female.

Douglas said human sex determination is a three-step process: chromosomal (XX female, XY male), primary sex determination (gonad differentiation at about eight weeks) and secondary sex determination (sexual structures influenced by sex hormones at about eight weeks).

He said that the default body plan at conception is female, and male traits develop later through gene expression.

LGBTQ+ Impact and Education

Jocelynne Moore said the repeal of an executive order protecting individuals from discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation could impact the interpretation of Supreme Court precedent, specifically Bostock v. Clayton County.

Moore said a new executive order "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" attempts to eliminate federal recognition and legal protections for transgender individuals.

She also said Idaho lawmakers voted 46-24 to urge the Supreme Court to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges, the ruling that legalized same-sex marriage, but noted that the vote has no legal standing at this time.

Caitlin Berney addressed two executive orders related to education and transgender healthcare.

The first, aimed at ending "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schools, targeted social transitioning, describing the practice of adopting a gender identity different from one's biological sex as harmful, Berney said.

The order also condemned what it labeled "anti-American ideologies," such as recognizing concepts like white privilege and unconscious bias, accusing schools of indoctrinating students into these views, Berney said.

The second order titled "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," focused on banning gender-affirming medical treatments, such as puberty blockers and surgeries, for minors. The order described these medical interventions as a "dangerous trend" and a "stain on our Nation's history."

Impact on Women's Rights

Ryleigh Causey then addressed the administration’s policies on women’s rights, including the reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy, which restricts foreign non-governmental organization's from using U.S. funds if they promote or perform abortions. The expanded policy now applies to all global health programs, such as President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, maternal and child health and malaria.

She also said the executive order on equal opportunity for women and girls claims to uphold Title IX by banning transgender women from participating in women’s sports. Additionally, the freeze on USAID funding, resulting from a 90-day review, disrupted vital health programs, particularly those providing services like HIV treatments and contraceptives for women and girls worldwide, she said.

These developments prompted reflection on the broader consequences for reproductive rights, gender equality, and global health initiatives.

Eden Phillips, a CMU student in the audience, spoke on the issues surrounding transgender athletes and women as a whole.

"There’s a small number of trans women in women’s sports, and it’s already competitive, so many just don’t try," Phillips said. "I think this is about pushing the idea that women are weak and need protection from men. They’ve even gendered chess and banned trans women.

"Also, restricting reproductive health programs and birth control, especially by Christian nationalists and their ideology of 'family values,' keeps women too busy raising kids to fight for social change, this is all under the guise of protecting women."

Climate Concerns

Tori Boyd presented an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord and expanding development in Alaska’s natural resource industries. The order prioritizes developing the state’s natural gas reserves for export and rolling back restrictions on drilling and mining.

Boyd said that while these actions could create jobs and lower energy costs, they also pose environmental risks such as increased greenhouse gas emissions and harm to local ecosystems.

During the discussion, CMU student Macy Kort spoke about the balance between economic and environmental concerns.

“Economic health is important because there are lots of areas that are dealing with poverty right now in America," Kort said. "However, I think that if our environment continues to get worse and worse, that’s only going to make the economic problems worse as they rely on each other. Those are our resources, and if we deplete them, it’s just going to make our situation even worse.”

Elon Musk's Nazi Salute and Administration Impacts

Moore also covered Elon Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency and his push to eliminate federal agencies. Musk raised his right hand which appeared to look like a Nazi salute. Some expressed concern over the concentration of power in individuals like Musk.

CMU student Bianca Rees said she couldn't understand how people could defend Musk’s actions, referencing the video from the presidential inauguration.

“How could people defend him?" Rees asked. "Hearing the audio was actually insane because the first thing I heard was, ‘My heart goes out to you.’ First of all, he did that after (the salute), and then he finished the sentiment with ‘Protecting the future of America.’ Which, if any of you guys know anything about Nazi Germany, that was the entire rhetoric."

Executive Order on Immigration Enforcement

Vicente Vargas presented on immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, focusing on the escalation of arrests, family separations and poor detention conditions. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests surged, now targeting all undocumented individuals, not just those with criminal records, while family separations led to significant trauma for migrant families.

Overcrowded detention centers faced criticism for inadequate healthcare and human rights violations, with detainees reporting neglect, long waits for medical care and widespread illnesses Vargas said.

Vargas also said the reinstatement of the 'Remain in Mexico' policy forced asylum seekers to wait in dangerous conditions before U.S. hearings. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of understanding legal rights. "Know Your Rights" cards were provided for attendees that advise people to:

Not open the door if an immigration agent is knocking on the door;
Not answer any questions from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you, you have the right to remain silent;
Not sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer;
Ask the agent if you are free to leave if you are outside of your home and if they say yes, leave calmly;

The cards also advised to use these responses:

"I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution."
"I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door."
"I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights."
"I choose to exercise my constitutional rights."