On Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m., Lakeland University proudly hosted their annual International Night to highlight their home cultures, unique experiences and achievements of Muskies from all around the world. However, for the first time, this night kicked off with a pre-event led by current Lakeland student, Nariah Scott, regarding the current changes to diversity, equity and inclusion, or D.E.I., laws in the United States. The event, named the Cultural Student Panel, was held in the Bradley Theatre from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. that night.  

Scott has been working towards a major in Diversity Studies at Lakeland, and the Cultural Student Panel showcases her senior project on D.E.I. initiatives and the importance they have for international students. She mentions that she wishes “to spread awareness of what is currently impacting the world around us… as well as highlight the importance of mental health and intersectionality.”  

During the pre-event, Scott discusses how cutting D.E.I. initiatives is negatively affecting the lives of marginalized communities who rely on those programs for support, representation and opportunity. She is not the only Muskie to support this claim, as her nine other student panelists were there to support her and make their voices heard.  

Scott explained that this topic is important to her because “many students face the chance of being impacted by this” and that she wants “to give the opportunity for students here at Lakeland of all different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, to share their stories and to speak on the experiences they have faced.” The Cultural Student Panel was Scott’s way of letting Lakeland students know that they are not alone in this fight, and that they can depend on one another for support in moments of hardship.