International student in Southeast Missouri concerned about DEI cuts

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Local staff and students said they’re alarmed by the Trump administration’s decision to give schools and universities two weeks to end diversity initiatives — known as DEI — or risk losing federal money.

Southeast Missouri State University international student Gabriel César said he’s concerned about how he could be impacted.

“I’m definitely a little concerned and worried about it,” he said, “but I just see what happens and let’s hope for the best.”

With President Trump’s administration giving schools and universities just two weeks to dismantle DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding — there’s much that is still unknown, including how international students like César could be affected. He’s originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“So, my journey — everything starts 2018, and I studied abroad for the first time — was a ten month program between Brazil and Missouri,” he said.

César said coming from a big city to a small town in Missouri has had a big impact on him.

He loved his study abroad program — now he’s an international student at Southeast Missouri State University.

When asked where home is for him, César said, SEMO.

“I love it here,” he said. “I know I’m definitely from Brazil — my entire life there — but been here for all these years and also share a little bit of high school time — that was awesome, too.”

FOX23 also reached out to staff at Southeast Missouri State University who did not want to go on camera, but expressed concerns that programs could end and departments could shut down if they lose the federal money.

Trump has called DEI programs ‘discrimination’ and pushed to eradicate diversity programs. While the memo appears to take aim at scholarships reserved for students from certain racial backgrounds, the debate continues over the impact on financial aid.