SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Many Central New York residents have been eagerly anticipating Micron’s arrival, but recent executive orders from the Trump administration have made some people anxious they won’t reap the benefits.
Micron executives have emphasized the amount of jobs the future town of Clay semiconductor manufacturing complex will create. The complex would need to employ about 50,000 people.
However, the Trump administration has signed an executive order barring organizations that receive federal funding from implementing any diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Some community members fear the executive order may put them at a disadvantage.
At a promotional event at Syracuse University, Micron Day, senior vice president of Micron April Arnsen said they need to fill so many positions that they’re incentivized to consider all types of people.
“And so continuing to invest in all pathways, so that everyone has an opportunity to be part of this, absolutely isn’t going to go away,” Arnsen said.
Micron Day focused on how Syracuse University and Micron’s collaboration drives innovation in the semiconductor industry. This innovation comes from everyone being able to contribute, according to Arnsen.
“It’s in our DNA. It’s in our culture to make sure that we create an environment where everyone feels respected heard, valued, able to make an impact,” Arnsen said. “That’s how we win.”
But Arnsen also clarified that Micron will always make sure they’re in compliance with the federal government as a federal contractor and grant recipient. Arsen said that Micron is still working out what adjustments the company may need to implement in response to the anti-DEI executive order.
Audio Transcript
Charlene Nomeny: Micron executives have emphasized the future town of Clay semiconductor complex’s job creation. However, the Trump administration has signed an executive order barring organizations that receive federal funding from implementing any diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Some community members fear the EO may put them at a disadvantage. Senior vice president of Micron April Arnsen says the amount of people they need to hire makes this unlikely.
April Arnsen: And so continuing to invest in all pathways, so that everyone has an opportunity to be part of this, absolutely isn’t going to go away.
Nomeny: But Arnsen also says Micron will always make sure they’re in compliance with the federal government as a federal contractor and grant recipient. Charlene Nomeny, NCC News.