The Asian Student Union (ASU) at Grand Valley State University held their annual Asian New Year Festival last Sunday to highlight cultural traditions and communities. The event went on as planned, despite other colleges such as Michigan State University canceling and rescheduling their Lunar New Year events earlier this year over concerns related to federal DEI orders.
The festival at GVSU spotlighted a variety of performances, interactive activities, games and food, such as henna tattoos, Chinese zodiac readings, origami and an appearance by Grand Rapids’ Ascendant Lion Dance. Additionally, a fashion show took place, providing attendees the chance to admire custom, traditional designs from multiple cultures. ASU members have expressed the festival and similar events are essential in celebrating their heritage and cultural traditions.
Faculty, staff, students and community members at GVSU enjoyed the evening of festivities. Anna Miller, the faculty advisor of ASU and assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said she was happy to see the celebration and students’ efforts be successful.
“I know how much hard work goes into events like these and I am so proud to see the culmination of the executive boards’ efforts pay off,” said Miller.
Miller feels students, their families and friends enjoyed the celebration and that the festival’s environment was upbeat as well as comfortable. She emphasized the audience was diverse in cultures, backgrounds and brought in attendees from all generations.
“This year, there was a lot of diversity in the cultures represented and I am very glad to see that lesser publicized ethnic groups could be represented,” Miller said. “I think the best part of this festival is how unintimidating it is (for) anyone to attend and learn more about Asian culture. All of the performances were energetic, lively and vibrant.”
Elise Tchieng, the lead co-cultural coordinator for ASU, said the Asian New Year Festival holds great significance for the organization.
“It provides an opportunity to share and celebrate our diverse cultures,” Tchieng said via email. “By bringing people together, the festival promotes diversity, inclusion and cultural appreciation within the GVSU community.
Across the state, Michigan State University DEI Director Lauren Gaines sent an email to the school’s community Tuesday, Jan. 28 announcing the cancellation of their Lunar New Year celebration the day before it was set to take place.
“This decision comes in response to concerns shared by members of our community regarding the current issuance of Executive Orders related to immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion,” Gaines wrote. “These actions have prompted feelings of uncertainty and hesitation about gathering for events that highlight cultural traditions and communities.”
A few hours later, MSU Dean Heidi Hennink-Kaminski sent an email asking students not to view the decision as a “statement of policy,” but rather a response to input from concerned students. However, the event was later rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. According to university officials, MSU doesn’t intend to cancel future cultural events.
Despite contentious circumstances at MSU, students and community members at GVSU delighted in the Asian New Year Festival, embracing various cultural traditions and activities.
