Diversity and Inclusion at Michigan State
RESOURCES:
MSU Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives Website | Historical Timeline | Campus Resources & Programs
Michigan State University was founded more than 160 years ago on the ideals of the democratization of education and knowledge – of making a quality education accessible to all.
Now one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State’s pioneering spirit and continued commitment to our core values of quality, inclusion and connectivity are stronger than ever.
The football program at Michigan State has been an integral part of the university’s mission for inclusion and has been recognized throughout history as a nationwide leader in diversity.
The following is a transcript from the MSU produced video “How MSU Football Changed College Football Forever,” narrated by Tony Dungy, Pro Football Hall of Famer.
The 1966 Michigan State University football team won a National Championship.
But it’s most important legacy was its role in the integration of college football.
Michigan State’s efforts to integrate its football program began in 1913 when Gideon Smith joined the team.
By 1966, the Spartan roster included 20 black players, a number unprecedented at a time when many major college football programs remained segregated. Michigan State University head coach Duffy Daugherty traveled the South and recruited players who were denied an opportunity to play in their home states. Those recruits included multiple All-Americans, and featured Jimmy Raye, the first black quarterback from the South to win a National Championship.
Inclusion – an integral part of MSU’s land grant mission – was front and center during the Civil Rights era. In 1957, MSU President John Hannah was appointed to serve as the first chairperson of the Civil Rights Commission. In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on campus and praised Hannah for his efforts, noting “Time is neutral. And the time is always right to do right.”
MSU and Daugherty did what was right by creating the opportunity for change. But change would not have been possible without the 20 brave and accomplished black athletes who proved they could compete – and win – at the highest level.
This was witnessed by 33 million viewers when No. 1 ranked Notre Dame faced No. 2 Michigan State in 1966. The game ended in a 10-10 tie and became known as “The Game of the Century.” MSU went on to be awarded its second consecutive National Championship.
In the seasons that followed, college teams from coast-to-coast began to fully integrate. And while much attention is paid to the 20 points scored in “The Game of the Century,” the impact that Michigan State and those 20 Spartans had on college football is far more significant.
MSU Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives Website | Historical Timeline | Campus Resources & Programs
Michigan State University was founded more than 160 years ago on the ideals of the democratization of education and knowledge – of making a quality education accessible to all.
Now one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State’s pioneering spirit and continued commitment to our core values of quality, inclusion and connectivity are stronger than ever.
The football program at Michigan State has been an integral part of the university’s mission for inclusion and has been recognized throughout history as a nationwide leader in diversity.
The following is a transcript from the MSU produced video “How MSU Football Changed College Football Forever,” narrated by Tony Dungy, Pro Football Hall of Famer.
The 1966 Michigan State University football team won a National Championship.
But it’s most important legacy was its role in the integration of college football.
Michigan State’s efforts to integrate its football program began in 1913 when Gideon Smith joined the team.
By 1966, the Spartan roster included 20 black players, a number unprecedented at a time when many major college football programs remained segregated. Michigan State University head coach Duffy Daugherty traveled the South and recruited players who were denied an opportunity to play in their home states. Those recruits included multiple All-Americans, and featured Jimmy Raye, the first black quarterback from the South to win a National Championship.
Inclusion – an integral part of MSU’s land grant mission – was front and center during the Civil Rights era. In 1957, MSU President John Hannah was appointed to serve as the first chairperson of the Civil Rights Commission. In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on campus and praised Hannah for his efforts, noting “Time is neutral. And the time is always right to do right.”
MSU and Daugherty did what was right by creating the opportunity for change. But change would not have been possible without the 20 brave and accomplished black athletes who proved they could compete – and win – at the highest level.
This was witnessed by 33 million viewers when No. 1 ranked Notre Dame faced No. 2 Michigan State in 1966. The game ended in a 10-10 tie and became known as “The Game of the Century.” MSU went on to be awarded its second consecutive National Championship.
In the seasons that followed, college teams from coast-to-coast began to fully integrate. And while much attention is paid to the 20 points scored in “The Game of the Century,” the impact that Michigan State and those 20 Spartans had on college football is far more significant.