LGBT Faculty Association survey reveals deadnaming, pronoun disregard at GV

In their end-of-year newsletter, members of the LGBT Faculty and Staff Association (LGBT FSA) at Grand Valley State University reflected on LGBTQIA+ issues in the campus’ culture. A member survey illustrates trends in opinion regarding the University’s inclusivity, revealing persistent issues among faculty and staff with disregard of pronouns and identifiers. Several responses called out the University’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) for lack of cooperation and communication, including denying LGBT FSA a mechanism for advocacy work.

LGBT FSA is an affinity group at the University that works to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender faculty and staff members. The group analyses policies and practices at GVSU, and promotes programs that support LGBTQIA+ workers. 

Their newsletter included results of a survey that was sent out to LGBT FSA members, which allowed faculty and staff to express their successes and challenges of existing on campus. 52 members of the LGBT FSA responded to the survey, 80% of which advocated for a more inclusive and equitable campus climate. The results show a strong desire for more inclusivity among staff toward LGBTQIA+ individuals. Significant grievances expressed in the survey regarded faculty being “deadnamed,” using someone’s birth name rather than their preferred name, and the misuse or disregard of pronouns.

To read Max Bufkin’s full story about the FSA survey, click here.

Federal deportation threat prompts protest, anxiety in West Michigan

As part of his first day in office on Monday, Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed 26 executive orders that reversed 78 bills from the Biden administration, declared energy and immigration emergencies, withdrew the U.S. from various alliances and attempted to end birthright citizenship, among various other actions.  For the Latinx community in Kent and Ottawa Counties, the president’s actions stirred upset and brought citizens to their feet in protest.

Trump halted immigration asylum until further notice, shutting down the CBP One app, which allowed immigrants to submit information and organize travel through customs and border control virtually, as well as canceling thousands of appointments and flights that were already scheduled for refugees. However, Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge. 

These orders have major implications for undocumented immigrants in the United States, as well as those seeking asylum from the persecution they may face in their home countries. The growing concerns spurred an active response from Kent and Ottawa County residents.

During Trump’s inauguration, more than 100 activists marched through Grand Rapids in protest of Trump’s immigration orders. The protest was organized by two local immigration advocacy groups, Movimiento Cosecha and GR Rapid Response. 

To read more about deportation concerns in West Michigan, click here.

Federal aid uncertainty strikes fear among GV community

On Monday, Jan. 27 President Donald Trump announced that all federal financial aid would be temporarily frozen, which sent students and federal aid-reliant organizations into an uproar. The executive order was then blocked by the U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan, temporarily pausing Trump’s effort to freeze funding. 

Trump’s push to freeze aid would mean that any program federally funded, excluding health insurance, social security and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, would not receive funding. Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the government’s Office of Management and Budget, wrote in an official memo, “The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equality, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a water of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve” 

Despite the freeze being paused, Grand Valley State University did not waste any time ensuring students that, at the time, they would be unaffected by Trump’s action. An email, which was signed by the University’s Vice President of the Division of Enrollment Development & Educational Outreach, B. Donta Truss, stated GVSU was carefully monitoring actions from federal officials. The email also confirmed that Pell Grants and other federal student aid loans would not be impacted by any administrative order or memo.

To read more about federal aid concerns, click here.

Religious artwork causes controversy at GV

A painting displayed in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center has ignited controversy at Grand Valley State University due to its depiction of Christian religious figures. The piece, titled “Pétalos De Cambio” (“Petals of Change”), was created by Irlanda Beltran for her graphic design senior thesis exhibition, and bought by the University for $1,800. The controversial piece of artwork, which has caused a stir among students and state lawmakers, was taken down on Thursday, Feb. 6 for relocation.

One of three panels in the 8-by-10 foot installation depicts a gun pointing toward Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Catholic apparition of the Virgin Mary. According to the GVSU Art Gallery, the piece’s supposed intention is “to raise awareness around issues such as gender-based violence, mental health, gun control and homophobia,” especially in Mexico.

Christopher Knape, the assistant vice president of University Communications, gave some insight into the University’s decision to purchase and display Beltran’s piece.

“Our museum staff have conversations on every piece of artwork that comes into Grand Valley’s collection,” Knape said. “There is a collections committee that reviews every piece that comes into the collection, including student work.”

To read more about the removal of this painting, click here.

Federal guidelines cue GV leadership to shrink Title IX, DEI protections

In adherence to federal policy changes, Grand Valley State University’s People, Equity and Culture Division (PECD) released a new version of the University’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Misconduct (SLT 9.1) on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The new policy reverts the University’s Title IX protections back to a precedent set in 2020.

GVSU’s current policy grants more protections to those accused of sexual misconduct, minimizes LGBTQ+ protections and is in line with a federal ruling that deemed the requirement of identity-affirming behavior to be a violation of free speech.

During President Donald Trump’s first administration, former Secretary of Education and West Michigan native Betsy Devos made revisions to Title IX federal law that were seen as controversial. Devos expanded protections for students accused of sexual misconduct in efforts of “ensuring a fair grievance process.” The revisions minimized definitions of sexual misconduct and required cross-examination of the accuser for statements in a case to be considered. 

The University’s policies have continually aligned with each presidential administrations’ Title IX changes. Under former President Joe Biden, the University’s 2022 policy included “unwelcome conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or pregnancy” within definitions of misconduct. Those specific definitions remain largely intact in the current policy but are now subject to change.

To read more about changes to University policy, click here.

GV community members push back against anti-trans speaker

On Thursday, March 13, Grand Valley State University’s chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) hosted a speaking event featuring Chloe Cole, a political activist who opposes gender-affirming care.

The event, which was titled “Exposing the Trans-Agenda: A Talk With a Detransitioner,” was held at the Russel H. Kirkhof Center. The speaking event’s title and guest garnered outrage from many University students, especially those who identify as transgender. Several counter-demonstrations were held on campus, and attended by students and community members in order to show support for the transgender community.

The University’s TPUSA chapter claimed on Instagram that the event was not an attack on the transgender community, and that their actions were protected under the First Amendment. GVPD officers were present at the talk, as TPUSA requested security. Photographers, including Lanthorn staff, were barred from entering the event.

The talk outlined the views of both Cole and TPUSA, which are that transgender people pose a threat to femininity, the government and children. During the talk’s Q&A section, Cole expressed opposition to gender-affirming care for all transgender individuals, including adults, and described being transgender as a “choice.” Several students who were in attendance felt Cole’s evidence was primarily based on personal anecdotes, and not factual information. 

To read more about this event and the response, click here.

Federal investigation launched into GV scholarships

On Friday, March 14, the U.S. Department of Education announced it is launching investigations into 52 universities as part of a large-scale initiative targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Grand Valley State University was listed as one of seven schools being investigated specifically for “alleged impermissible race-based scholarships and race-based segregation.” The University received notice from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding the investigation.

The investigation into GVSU is in response to a federal complaint filed in January by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), which alleged that 11 University scholarships for BIPOC students violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. 

GVSU President Philomena Mantella released a statement on Friday in response to the investigation.

“Our legal team is currently reviewing this communication from OCR and gathering information to inform the university’s response and next steps,” Mantella said. “GVSU will continue to lean into its values while maintaining compliance with the law.”

To read more about the federal investigation, click here. 

Reports: Ottawa commissioner concealed firearm at GV, despite policy

An Ottawa County commissioner brought a concealed firearm onto Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus earlier this month. Although administration and staff were notified quickly, the University’s response time to the incident is questionable, despite a firm policy that prohibits such behavior.

Commissioner Joe Moss was one of many community members who traveled to GVSU on Thursday, March 13, to hear a speech given by Chloe Cole, an anti-trans activist. During the time Moss was on campus for the event, which was held by the GVSU chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), multiple complaints were made to University administration and the campus police department stating that Moss was carrying a concealed firearm, which violates the University’s Weapons Policy. 

Those who reported Moss to GVPD said the University did not act quickly enough, nor appropriately, in addressing the policy violation. Although University leadership, including public safety officials, claim immediate action was taken, Moss remained on university property for over half an hour before he was told by a GVSU official to leave campus. 

The incident raises questions about how GVPD procedure is set up to respond to reports of weapons on campus, even if they aren’t active threats.

To read more about this incident, click here.

Students react to CAB Spring Concert cancellation

On Thursday, March 27, Grand Valley State University’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) announced on Instagram that the annual spring concert, which was set to take place in April, is canceled.

The concert is a favorite tradition of many GVSU students, as it first began in 2009 and has been a highly-anticipated event ever since. The post, which reads as follows, expresses CAB’s apologies and disappointment in the event’s unfortunate turn, and highlights efforts made to book artists despite implied multiple rejections.

“After careful consideration, we regret to announce the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Spring Concert,” the statement declared. “We are sorry, and we acknowledge the disappointment that students may experience with this decision. We’re feeling it too. Multiple offers to a variety of artists were made, and despite our efforts, none of them were accepted. It is also important to note that while the Campus Activities Board is a student-led programming body within the Office of Student Life, there are times that decisions like these are made outside of students’ control.”

To read more about the Spring Concert cancellation, click here. 

Jackson, Vanlerberghe set to lead Student Senate

Grand Valley State University’s Student Senate announced the results of their recent election on Friday, March 28. Evan Jackson and Ty Vanlerberghe were elected to serve as the next president and vice president. 20 at-Large senators were also elected, along with 19 college-specific senators. 

Prior to being elected president, Jackson joined the senate at the end of his second year at GVSU and has held the chief of staff position. Vice President-elect Vanlerberghe joined as a freshman and has served as both a general senator and public relations chair. As they prepare to step into their newly elected positions, they hope the student body sees their love and commitment for the University.

“As soon as we got the email with the official election results, we called each other as fast as we could to celebrate,” Vanlerberghe said. “The feeling was indescribable, knowing that all of our hard work had paid off and that we (have) the opportunity to lead the organization we love.”

To read more about Jackson and Vanlerberghe’s election, click here.

Homeland Security revoked two international student visas, GV says

On Monday, Grand Valley State University announced that two international students had their visas revoked by the federal government. According to the Division of People, Equity and Culture, University staff members discovered the revocation when reviewing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports. GVSU says they were not informed of the decision prior to their own review.

“That review was prompted by media reports about visas being revoked for students at other universities around the country,” said the announcement. “GVSU has not been contacted by DHS about the reasons for the visa revocations.”

 To read more about student visa revocation, click here.

Editorial Revision 3/27- The original article wrongly stated that GVPD Interim Chief Leah Heaton claimed officers’ arrival time of 16 minutes was acceptable. Officers’ arrival time to the scene is unknown.

An Ottawa County commissioner brought a concealed firearm onto Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus earlier this month. Although administration and staff were notified quickly, the University’s response time to the incident is questionable, despite a firm policy that prohibits such behavior.

Commissioner Joe Moss was one of many community members who traveled to GVSU on Thursday, March 13, to hear a speech given by Chloe Cole, an anti-trans activist. During the time Moss was on campus for the event, which was held by the GVSU chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), multiple complaints were made to University administration and the campus police department stating that Moss was carrying a concealed firearm, which violates the University’s Weapons Policy. 

Those who reported Moss to GVPD said the University did not act quickly enough, nor appropriately, in addressing the policy violation. Although University leadership, including public safety officials, claim immediate action was taken, Moss remained on university property for over half an hour before he was told by a GVSU official to leave campus. 

The incident raises questions about how GVPD procedure is set up to respond to reports of weapons on campus, even if they aren’t active threats.

The GVSU Weapons Policy says no person, other than University police or authorized personnel, shall possess any firearm or weapon. Moss, who does not fit any of the aforementioned exemptions, did not notify University officials before he brought the firearm on campus, according to GVPD Interim Chief Leah Heaton.

When the Lanthorn reached out to Moss, he noted that he wasn’t aware of the incident and had no comment.

Moss, along with fellow Commissioner Sylvia Rhodea, founded Ottawa Impact, a far-right advocacy organization and political action committee, in 2021. The group has taken firm stances on gun rights, sided with anti-LGBTQ proposals and slashed funds to the county’s Department of Public Health.

During board of commissioners’ meetings at the county’s Fillmore Complex, Moss frequently carries a pistol on his hip. While going door-to-door on the campaign trail in 2022, homeowners reported to police they observed Moss’ holstered gun and felt threatened. On March 19, 2024, Moss also posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, a photo of a GLOCK G17 pistol, asserting “it’s not always easy to conceal a full-size (GLOCK G17), but it’s a wonderful firearm.”

It was at least the second visit Moss has made to GVSU since the beginning of this year, with his attendance at the TPUSA event being his most recent known trip to the University. However, this is the first documented time he violated the campus weapons policy.

Moss visited GVSU in February to scrutinize “Pétalos De Cambio,” a painting that has since been removed from campus by University leadership, as some community members felt the artwork was blasphemous to Catholicism. 

After Cole’s talk on March 17, Moss and Rhodea exited the Russell H. Kirkhof Center just before 7 p.m., according to witnesses, where a transgender rights vigil was taking place to protest the TPUSA event. 

During the Cole event, there had previously been officers stationed near the outside demonstration, but they had left by the time Moss and other attendees went outside.

Moss hung around the clock tower, and engaged in conversation with students and community members. However, while he was doing so, a number of local residents noticed what they perceived to be a firearm peeking out under the hem of Moss’ jacket.

In photos time-stamped at 7:08 p.m., Moss is pictured interacting with students with a concealed firearm on his right hip.

Heather Martin, of Zeeland Township and parent of a GVSU student, said she was near the University’s Cook Carillon clock tower when her friend Sheila Dettloff, of Holland Township, said, “‘Oh, look, he’s carrying.’”

“I turned and I said, ‘Oh, that’s not good,’” Martin described. “We turned back to the top of the stairs where campus security had been during the whole thing. But everybody had already filed out and sort of dispersed.”

There was no security nearby, Martin said, as stationed security dispersed after the Cole event.

She said she went into the Kirkhof Center and reported it to an administrator she was familiar with: Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center Director DL McKinney.

“When I turned around, they (security) weren’t where they had been, but I saw the director of the LGBTQ Center who I know enough to go speak to, and I said, ‘Hold on. I know someone,’” Martin said. “I went to the top of the stairs and approached them (McKinney) and said, ‘Hi, remember me? Tell me, is open carry allowed on campus?’ They did a deer in the headlights and said, ‘Who?’ I said, ‘Commissioner Moss is at the bottom of the staircase, facing the clock tower, and you can clearly see it on his hip. After I spoke to them (McKinney), I came back to the bottom of the stairs.”

Meanwhile, Dettloff took photos to document what she saw — Moss with a gun on his right hip. The photos were time-stamped at 7:14 p.m.

That was the first of three attempts by vigil attendees to alert University staff and police of the policy violation. 

Charlie Zickus, of Allendale, was attending the vigil with his wife Meegan, a lawyer and biology ethics professor at GVSU. He also noticed the concealed firearm and took photos, time-stamped at 7:21 p.m.

Gallery • 2 Photos

“Charlie took the pictures, and I went back and was kind of standing there because he and I were trying to figure out, ‘Okay, who has called, who hasn’t and where are we at here?’” Meegan Zickus said. “Some girls nearby said, ‘Oh my God, that man has a gun.’ I said, ‘Okay, guys, it’s okay. It’s under control. We’ve reported it. If you need to leave, then just get up and go, but you don’t need to be worried.’”

Charlie Zickus and lawyer Pete Walsh, of Grand Rapids, reported the situation to two student workers at Kirkhof’s 2020 Information Desk at about 7:20 p.m.

An ONN reporter has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to determine if the second report led to authorities being alerted.

Charlie Zickus then observed Moss walk west to Campus Drive with a group of people. Meegan Zickus said a GVSU officer pulled in, but was quite a ways away from Kirkhof and the clock tower, so they walked over to him.

“’Hey, we need to make a report of somebody with a gun on campus,’” Meegan Zickus told the officer. “He (the officer) took the report. He never called anybody, didn’t do a thing and was like, ‘Well, the most we can do is trespass him and tell him that he has to leave if he has it (a firearm).'”

The police report, the third attempt to notify staff and administration, was filed as of 7:25 p.m., according to the result of a Freedom of Information Act request.

Meegan Zickus said the officer made no move to approach Moss. At this time, Moss and the group he was with drifted further away from Kirkhof and the clock tower.

“He (the officer) didn’t even ask for a description of what he (Moss) was wearing or anything,” she said. “He just took the report, and was like, ‘Well, it’s technically not against the law.’ Pete and I were like, ‘Well, you better check on that, because you got two lawyers standing here, and we’re pretty sure that Grand Valley says we have a weapons-free campus.’ The cop was like, ‘No, no, that’s our policy, but all we do is trespass them and tell them to leave.'”

Pete Walsh, a retired attorney who attended the vigil with a group of community members, stated that while he found University police to be respectful of their concerns, he was perplexed by their response time.

“We thought it was reported,” said Walsh. “We stood around outside and no police officer showed up for like 10-15 minutes.”

Meanwhile, McKinney contacted Vice President of Student Affairs Jenny Hall-Jones, as McKinney felt a higher-level administrator should approach Moss. Hall-Jones approached Moss, who at this point was leaving of his own accord at about 7:30. 

Hall-Jones declined a request for comment by the Lanthorn. 

Martin said she was in the parking lot when she observed Moss reach his vehicle nearby at 7:36 p.m., which she noted in a text to Dettloff.

The incident report states at 7:41 p.m. that Moss had already left the clock tower by the time GVPD personnel arrived. According to Heaton, she does not have an exact time of the officers’ arrival.

Heaton claimed the arrival time was acceptable, considering the situation didn’t escalate into a direct threat, despite the three separate reports. Due to the incident not warranting an emergency response, according to Heaton, GVPD personnel obeyed all traffic laws on their route to the clock tower.

“We didn’t have any reports of the weapon being pointed or anything to escalate to an emergency response,” Heaton said. “At this point, we were responding to what is a Grand Valley policy violation.”

A University statement, which was forwarded to Lanthorn staff by the Assistant Vice President of University Communications Chris Knape, vouched for GVPD’s handling of the incident.

“Safety on our campus is our top priority,” read the statement. “GVSU has a policy prohibiting weapons on campus, and as happened in this case, the University took immediate action to assure conformance with our policy when made aware of a violation. At no time was the University aware of the person posing a threat.”

GVPD considers Hall-Jones’ interaction with Moss to be an enforcement of policy, as the commissioner left after talking with a University official. Heaton said the incident is considered “closed.” Had Moss remained on campus and not complied, the act would have been considered a trespassing violation.

“It was enforced because he was approached, informed and asked to leave,” Heaton said. “That (interaction) kind of ends that contact.”

Heaton said now that a warning is on record, the matter could be treated differently if Moss were to violate the policy again. 

Dettloff said she believed Moss to be deliberate in bringing the concealed firearm to campus. 

“For him to be an elected official who should have known (the policy), and to still do it anyway tells me that he had a motivation, and that he was trying to send a message,” she said.

Meegan Zickus said a number of community members she was with are long-term concealed pistol license (CPL) holders. However, those with licenses had all left their firearms at home, and Zickus felt that Moss shouldn’t have been treated any differently due to his commissioner title.

“Just because someone’s elected doesn’t mean they get to skirt the rules that are in place,” Zickus said.

According to Michigan law, concealed firearms are only prohibited in campus dormitories or classrooms. The legislation leaves gaps on campus, prompting many universities, including GVSU to adopt “weapons-free” policies on campuses. 

GVSU’s Student Senate voted against allowing concealed firearms on campus in November 2015. The University’s Weapons Policy has largely been the same since the senate’s decision. The policy is based on legal precedent, both in Michigan, and federally.

However, a case is currently facing the U.S. Supreme Court that could possibly challenge the ability of higher education institutions to enforce their own weapons bans. Wade v. University of Michigan is challenging UMich’s on-campus weapons ban. The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the university’s firearm ban, and the Michigan Supreme Court denied the appeal. The case is being further disputed by SCOTUS. If the Court were to rule in favor of Joshua Wade, colleges and universities nationwide, including GVSU, would be forced to reevaluate their policies.

Steven Dulan, the attorney representing Wade, is part of the Michigan Coalition for the Responsible Gun Owners’ board of directors. Dulan believes GVSU is on “extremely weak ground” with its policy, much like UMich, although the latter is afforded certain protections compared to GVSU because it is chartered in the Michigan Constitution. 

“The legality of (campus firearm bans) is questionable because it’s being litigated right now,” said Dulan. “I honestly feel that most of the colleges and universities are on extremely thin ice legally because the state statute just says clearly that (you) cannot carry concealed in a dorm or a classroom.”

Dulan added that he feels the University’s policy is “sort of hollow,” and that he doesn’t think it has “any teeth.” 

Touching on the implications of carrying in places of education, Meegan Zickus expressed that she previously had students who had witnessed the 2021 school shooting at Oxford High School.

“(Students) were freaking out, and you know that’s where the issue is,” Zickus said. “If people aren’t clear on the rules, then it causes an alarm in the students.”

Zickus said she doesn’t believe the University’s procedure for handling weapons reports is well known among students and community members. 

“I’d like there to be some type of clear policy that this is what we do when somebody reports a person with a gun on campus, and I don’t feel there’s a clear policy,” Zickus said. “We all had to go looking for the rules.”

Zickus believes the policy and procedure, which from her perspective aren’t fully fleshed out, are cause for alarm if an emergency situation were to occur at GVSU.

“When you don’t take something seriously then all of a sudden it becomes an issue when there is an (emergency),” Zickus stated.

While DeHaan has officially stepped down as police chief, he will continue working as a civilian consultant for the University and advise the Grand Valley Police Department until his June 1 retirement date. As of March 2, GVPD Captain Leah Heaton has assumed the role of interim chief until the University hires a replacement for DeHaan.

DeHaan received his law enforcement license in 1983 and worked as a part-time officer for GVPD while obtaining a bachelor’s degree at the University. He joined the force as a full-time officer in 1987, became a sergeant in 1997 and a captain in 2004. DeHaan was named GVPD chief in 2017. 

“I truly had a great opportunity to work with some great colleagues over the course of many years,” DeHaan said. “That’s not only on the law enforcement side but on the academic and service (sides) as well.”

DeHaan expressed that while he’s had the opportunity to work in various areas of law enforcement, being able to work in a university setting has been the most valuable to him.

“Rarely do you have the opportunity to see the fruits of your labor, but equally as much be part of an organization (with) this much growth and dynamic change over the expanse of one’s work career,” DeHaan stated.

According to DeHaan, GVPD took numerous steps forward during his tenure as chief, including the installation of an extensive, multi-million dollar security camera system on campus. In addition, in 2023, the department received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), and became the first college police department in the state of Michigan to do so.

DeHaan said that looking back on his career accomplishments, he is ultimately most proud of the GVPD staff as a whole.

“They (GVPD staff) show up every day,” DeHaan. “They’re here and they’re willing to serve and help this community.”

Heaton echoed a similar message of gratitude, this time toward DeHaan’s expertise and knowledge at the University.

“(DeHaan is) nothing short of great,” Heaton said. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. There are some things as the chief (that) he has extensive knowledge in. That’s (his knowledge) helping me to finish up as the year (comes to an end). It’s nice for him to be able to stay around and help with those sorts of things.”

The University will be conducting a national search over the summer, and is aiming to field DeHaan’s replacement by the Fall 2025 semester. 

“Everyone’s wishing him the best,” Heaton said. “We hope to get a new, great chief in, but it’s gonna be some big, tall shoes to fill.”

The investigation into GVSU is in response to a federal complaint filed in January by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), which alleged that 11 University scholarships for BIPOC students violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. 

GVSU President Philomena Mantella released a statement on Friday in response to the investigation.

“Our legal team is currently reviewing this communication from OCR and gathering information to inform the university’s response and next steps,” Mantella said. “GVSU will continue to lean into its values while maintaining compliance with the law.”

The other 45 schools are being investigated for allegedly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The Department of Education claims that colleges and universities have violated the act by partnering with the PhD Project, a nonprofit organization that helps minority students earn PhDs in business. One of the schools targeted by the investigation is the University of Michigan.

“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a press release. “We will not yield on this commitment.”

The investigations follow a January “dear colleague” letter from the OCR, which served to expand on the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard verdict. The 2023 Supreme Court ruling banned race-based admissions for colleges and universities. In the letter, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor argued that DEI programs promote stereotypes, and that various universities actively discriminate against white and Asian students. The memo is already being challenged in two federal lawsuits. 

According to the Department of Education’s press release, the schools under investigation for alleged impermissible race-based scholarships and race-based segregation are as follows. The school being investigated specifically for alleged segregation has not yet been identified by the Department of Education.

• Grand Valley State University   
• Ithaca College  
• New England College of Optometry   
• University of Alabama  
• University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 
• University of South Florida  
• University of Oklahoma, Tulsa School of Community Medicine 

The following universities are under investigation for allegedly engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs.

• Arizona State University-Main Campus  
• Boise State University  
• Cal Poly Humboldt  
• California State University – San Bernadino  
• Carnegie Mellon University  
• Clemson University  
• Cornell University  
• Duke University  
• Emory University  
• George Mason University  
• Georgetown University  
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)  
• Montana State University-Bozeman   
• New York University (NYU)  
• Rice University  
• Rutgers University  
• The Ohio State University-Main Campus  
• Towson University  
• Tulane University  
• University of Arkansas – Fayetteville   
• University of California-Berkeley  
• University of Chicago  
• University of Cincinnati – Main Campus  
• University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
• University of Delaware  
• University of Kansas  
• University of Kentucky  
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities  
• University of Nebraska at Omaha  
• University of New Mexico – Main Campus  
• University of North Dakota – Main Campus  
• University of North Texas – Denton   
• University of Notre Dame  
• University of NV – Las Vegas  
• University of Oregon  
• University of Rhode Island  
• University of Utah  
• University of Washington-Seattle  
• University of Wisconsin-Madison  
• University of Wyoming  
• Vanderbilt University  
• Washington State University 
• Washington University in St. Louis  
• Yale University 

GVSU’s current policy grants more protections to those accused of sexual misconduct, minimizes LGBTQ+ protections and is in line with a federal ruling that deemed the requirement of identity-affirming behavior to be a violation of free speech.

During President Donald Trump’s first administration, former Secretary of Education and West Michigan native Betsy Devos made revisions to Title IX federal law that were seen as controversial. Devos expanded protections for students accused of sexual misconduct in efforts of “ensuring a fair grievance process.” The revisions minimized definitions of sexual misconduct and required cross-examination of the accuser for statements in a case to be considered. 

The University’s policies have continually aligned with each presidential administrations’ Title IX changes. Under former President Joe Biden, the University’s 2022 policy included “unwelcome conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or pregnancy” within definitions of misconduct. Those specific definitions remain largely intact in the current policy but are now subject to change.

In December 2024, Biden’s Title IX policy expansion was blocked in 26 states, and was ultimately thrown out by a federal judge. Biden’s Final Rule was ultimately thrown out with the verdict that discrimination of sexual orientation didn’t fall under the jurisdiction of Title IX. Biden’s adjustments requiring correct pronoun usage by teachers in accordance with student orientation and preference was ruled to be a violation of the Constitution’s First Amendment. 

Alongside other universities across the county, GVSU has reverted back to these guidelines, vastly altering the procedure for how cases of sexual harassment, discrimination and misconduct are handled.

“These (the most recent updates) were required policy changes for compliance with federal regulations,” said GVSU Associate Vice President, Deputy Chief Inclusion & Equity officer and Title IX Coordinator Kathleen VanderVeen. “Cross-examination provides decision makers the opportunity to develop a live credibility analysis rather than a credibility analysis based solely on written statements.”

VanderVeen also claimed GVSU’s adjustments were made to ensure “equitable credibility analysis of evidence statements.”

The current SLT 9.1 policy, which is similar to the 2020 version, defines sexual harassment as “an employee of GVSU conditioning the provision of aid, benefit, or service of GVSU on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.” The 2022 and 2024 versions of SLT 9.1 both significantly expanded the definition, and distinguished sexual misconduct from sexual harassment. Biden’s attempted Title IX reform sought to expand and restore protections for pregnant and transgender individuals, which had previously been minimized.

Specific aspects of the University’s policy change in accordance with federal regulations significantly affects protections for transgender students under Title IX. The current version of SLT 9.1 removed six paragraphs from section 17, “Inclusion related to Gender Identity/Expression.” The deleted paragraphs outlined gender inclusivity and identity affirmation, explicitly defining misgendering and deadnaming in campus context.

The 2024 version of the policy stated, “GVSU supports the full acceptance of those who are gender expansive,” while the current version shorted the six paragraphs to simply state, “Intentional misgendering, deadnaming, or mispronouning may be considered a violation of this policy.”

This policy change comes shortly after Trump signed executive orders targeting “gender ideology.” Trump has signed an executive order that federally acknowledges only two genders, and has attempted to ban transgender athletes from collegiate sports.

“I just hope that as we maneuver with what has to be changed, we figure out something quickly to make sure there’s a safeguard there,” said DL McKinney, the University’s LGBT Resource Center director. “Right now, taking out that language that was a safeguard, it’s (safeguards) changed.”

Faculty and staff have already previously voiced concerns regarding deadnaming and misgendering at the University. In a survey conducted by the GVSU LGBT Faculty and Staff Association (LGBT FSA), 80% of LGBT FSA members responded saying they desired a more inclusive climate at the University. McKinney said the prevalence of the issue “should be something we don’t ignore.”

McKinney said the LGBT Resource Center is working with GVSU administrators to maintain protections under this new policy.

“We (the LGBT Resource Center) have been both scrambling and trying to be strategic about how we use the system that’s in front of us to make sure that everyone is protected– students, staff and faculty,” McKinney said.

McKinney said that support provided by the LGBT Resource Center will not change, regardless of changes in administration or policy. 

“There’s nothing that we as an office are changing when we talk about our values,” McKinney said. “We aren’t scared. We want to make sure that people know this (the center) is a space for a reason.”

The International Women’s Day event was initiated by Lauren Coman, a Grand Rapids community member and mother that realized there wasn’t an event planned for the day. She decided to organize one herself, and collaborated with other mothers and city residents. Originally, she had coordinated the event with Fountain Street Church, but ended up moving the protest due to capacity concerns.

Those in attendance were addressed by multiple speakers, including members of the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Moms Demand Action and Women’s Health Collective. Grand Rapids State Rep. Kristian Grant, a member of Michigan’s Democratic Caucus, advocated in her speech for community action and voting in the interest of women’s rights.

Following the rousing speeches at Rosa Parks Circle, protesters took to the Grand Rapids’ sidewalks for a march. Those in attendance chanted, “Stand up, fight back” and “We are not going back” as they marched through the city. Protesters carried signs that read, “We will not back down” and “Women resist.” 

The protest was in response to the reelection of President Donald Trump, many of whose actions have caused concern regarding women’s rights, reproductive freedoms, gender expression and security of voting rights. International Women’s Day originated in the early 1900s out of the women’s labor and suffrage movements. It has been celebrated on March 8 every year since 1917, when women’s protests en masse initiated the Russian Revolution. The holiday was recognized by the United Nations in 1977.

“We have people (attending the event that come from) different thoughts, feelings and emotions,” Coman said. “At the end of the day, I think we’re all just trying to gather together and say, ‘Hey, one common thing is we all support women. We would all not be here without women.’”

Coman emphasized the importance of collaborating at a grassroots level to initiate change. Her initiative to organize was backed by strong hopes to stir communal strength and support. 

“There’s so much going on that not every organization can handle all of it,” Coman said. “The more people that can jump in and the more people that can use their voice and help raise awareness, we’re seeing that start to change things.”

Grant also elaborated on this in her speech, emphasizing the necessity of community-based actions.

“We won’t have a next time to stand up if we don’t stand up today,” Grant said. “We have to be the women and the people who support the women who are willing to stand up.”

Numerous speakers and protesters also addressed the need for international solidarity with women in Palestine, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to be strenuously waged.

“If you truly believe in liberation, then you believe in liberation for Palestinian women and children and families,” said Emerson Wolfe, one of the march’s organizers. “I recommend everybody get involved with a grassroots organization so they can put their feelings into action.” 

Members of Grand Valley State University’s Progressive Student Union (PSU) also attended the event. Owen Frassetto, a member of PSU, emphasized the protest’s importance.

“Clearly, (Trump’s attacks) on women, LGBTQ+ rights, DEI and all these things have led to a massive resistance in every city, including our city (Grand Rapids),” Frassetto said. “It’s very important to come represent.”

The revelry of the International Women’s Day march spotlights how recent political actions have sparked feats of protest that are sweeping the country.

“We have to stand up as women, as mothers (and) as wives,” said one protester during the march. “We just can’t let this go on.”

Gallery • 25 Photos

GVL / Lee Marentette

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Trump revoked standing policies that had limited where and how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can carry out arrests. Since Trump’s action allows ICE to enter schools and churches, the policy’s revocation has spurred many concerns among staff at GVSU.

Trump’s removal of safeguards for ICE operations led several faculty members to reach out to the University for guidance. 

GVSU professors within the Philosophy and History Departments sent messages of concern to various University figures, including Grand Valley Police Chief Brandon DeHaan, Acting Provost Jennifer Drake and the Director of People, Equity and Culture, Robert Shorty. The University’s answer was the same across the board– concerned parties should reach out to the Office of General Counsel or GVPD, and follow Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines.

“I was wanting something (communication) a little bit more forceful (from the University) when the Trump administration took over,” said Mike Huner, a GVSU history professor that reached out to Drake.

Neither DeHaan nor Shorty responded to the Lanthorn’s request for comment on the subject.

Under FERPA, no professor is legally allowed to disclose information about a student without written consent, which would apply to ICE agents in the classroom. Should the situation arise, professors are advised to direct any in-classroom conflict with ICE to the Office of General Counsel for their expertise with legal issues. The Office of General Counsel was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

Huner credits Drake for her response, but persists that GVSU should do more to respond to immigration-related concerns.

“I would appreciate if a more generalized statement from the upper administration speaking to those matters (ICE presence) would be circulated,” Huner said.

Huner considers Grand Rapids Public Schools’ response to recent federal policy effective. The school district issued a detailed guideline in January advising teachers how to respond if ICE comes into their schools. 

Huner recommends those with immigration concerns attend a Know Your Rights presentation, which provides information on immigration law to students and faculty. The University’s Inclusion and Equity Institute will be holding a presentation on Friday, Feb. 28.

Campus response to ICE presence has also been a topic of conversation within both GVSU Housing and Residence Life and the University’s Tutoring and Reading Center. Faculty and staff received the same, aforementioned guidelines– to contact the Office of General Counsel if a situation with ICE should arise on campus.

“My chief concern will first and foremost always just be the safety of our students,” said Keigh-Cee Bell, director of Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction at the Tutoring and Reading Center. “I want the Tutoring and Reading Center, and all of our tutoring centers, to be a safe and healthy learning environment for everybody.”

On Feb. 3, the University launched a webpage to share information and guidelines related to any changes connected with federal policy actions. This page posted the same guidelines sent to faculty and staff. Beyond the brief message, no further guidelines or protocols have been shared by GVSU.

It seems faculty and staff concerns spread past immigration policy and response. Many faculty members feel there is not enough communication from the University regarding a number of the Trump administration’s actions.

“If you ask around, it’s not just this (ICE-related policy),” stated a GVSU professor, who asked to remain anonymous due to the issue’s sensitivity. “It’s other issues concerning executive actions coming from (President Trump). If you ask around, you’ll find concerns from other faculty about why there isn’t more forceful statements coming from the upper administration of the University.”

Grand Valley State University’s Police Department sent out an email alert on Friday, Feb. 21 updating the campus community of the most recent incidents of vehicle-related crime at GVSU. Additional vehicle break-ins and two stolen vehicles have been added to a growing streak of vehicle-related crime at GVSU. Police believe the instances may be connected.

The Feb. 21 alert was a follow up to a similar notice sent to students on Tuesday, Feb. 11, warning the University community of multiple reports of vehicle-related crime. Throughout February, a total of three stolen vehicles, numerous break-ins and several attempted break-ins have been reported to GVPD. All incidents occurred in parking lots that serve on-campus residence halls. All of the crimes were allegedly committed not by students, but people from neighboring cities who came onto campus.

One stolen vehicle, two confirmed larcenies from vehicles, several overnight break-ins and multiple attempted break-ins occurred over the week of Feb. 3, which prompted the initial alert. Six vehicles also sustained damaged or broken windows throughout that week.

Almost all larceny reports associated with the first alert came from Lot D, a parking lot that serves North campus housing residents. A few initial reports also came from Lot P, which serves students on South campus and in the Honors College. According to the update, the most recent incidents of crime occurred in residential parking lots D, K, P and R on campus, expanding the previous scope of targeted lots. 

According to GVPD, individuals who commit vehicle-related thefts often travel to campus in stolen cars. GVPD has determined the suspects are now traveling in a vehicle without a license plate. A stolen vehicle used by a suspect broke down in Lot D on the Allendale Campus. The vehicle was recovered by GVPD, and its plates were traced back to Kentwood.

GVPD Captain Kourosh Khatir said vehicle larcenies are most often crimes of opportunity, committed when a vehicle is left unlocked. He said the vehicle that was stolen from campus had a spare key in the glove box.

“It’s amazing to me how many cars are left unlocked,” Khatir said. “Just lock the doors, make sure high value items are not in plain sight and if you see something suspicious, just give us (GVPD) a call.”

GVSU student Maddie Pope parks overnight in Lot D. She discovered her vehicle was broken into when she found one of its doors wide open.

“I walked to my car (and) my door was open,” Pope said. “I looked inside, and all my stuff from my middle console and dashboard were all over the seat.”

Fortunately for Pope, nothing was stolen from her vehicle. She said she plans to be more vigilant in the future.

“I definitely don’t want to be alone, walking at night knowing there’s people out there that are trying to cause harm,” Pope said. “(I am) also just making sure I’m locking my car and not leaving anything valuable in it.”

Khatir said there had been a significant drop in on-campus larcenies since October 2024, following a similar report that alerted students to be more vigilant about locking their vehicles. However, the last few weeks’ larceny spike seems to continue a larger trend in which larceny at the University has tripled since 2021. Khatir couldn’t definitively speak on what is driving the trend upward beyond the issues he’d previously mentioned.

“Perhaps word spread that you can just go into (lots) and (that) you’ll be successful (because) a lot of cars are left unlocked,” Khatir said.

In addition to sending out email alerts, GVPD is working with the University’s Housing and Residence Life to educate staff on preventative measures they can share with students living on campus.

“The biggest thing we can do is educate our campus community,” Khatir said. “Certainly, no spare keys should be in (vehicles).”

All vehicle theft incidents have taken place between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., according to GVPD. Khatir said the police department is considering enhancing security camera systems in affected areas.

No information regarding arrests was available at the time this article was published.

As fears over federal immigration policies rise, many residents of Grand Rapids hope the city will put new policies in place to protect the undocumented immigrant population. By declaring itself a sanctuary city similar to Chicago or New York, Grand Rapids would take efforts to restrict the city’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities and enact further policies that protect undocumented immigrants. Despite residents’ activism efforts, Grand Rapids city officials have not yet made any formative action towards establishing the city as a sanctuary.

At the commission meeting, Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand said in his opening statement that declaring Grand Rapids to be a sanctuary city would be a purely “rhetorical statement” with no basis in federal law.

“That’s sort of a term that the media came up with, it’s not a term that really has any legal status,” LaGrand said. “The question for this commission is what can we do to honor, respect and support members of our community. We are not the federal government, so there are things that we cannot do.”

LaGrand and other commission officials called out the importance of supporting the community in ways that don’t give a false pretense of protection. LaGrand said city leaders will uphold their obligation to support members of the community, but that city government cannot override federal actions. Despite protections for undocumented immigrants, ICE would still be able to detain residents in certain capacities.

“We have an obligation to speak out on this issue in moral terms and do everything in our power to respect, honor and support the members of our community,” LaGrand said. “The danger of holding out some media term like ‘sanctuary city’ is that people may think that somehow, that (sanctuary city) gives them protection they don’t have.”

Grand Rapids Chief of Police Eric Winstrom sympathized with the commissioners over promises of protection. Winstrom previously served as a police officer in Chicago, a city that has been a recent target of immigration raids despite its sanctuary status. He reiterated that claiming sanctuary status could be seen as a challenge to the federal government, saying “there’s the risk that you take of painting a target on yourself.”

“It’s a misnomer, because in reality, we (could) call ourselves a sanctuary city but if ICE shows up tomorrow and wants to start deporting people legally, they can do so,” Winstrom said. “We don’t want to lie to people and say, ‘Come to Grand Rapids, it’s safe here.’”

The commission cited previous policies that serve to protect undocumented immigrants in Grand Rapids. The 2017 Equal Service Policy ensures due process and equal protection for the people of Grand Rapids regardless of immigration status, and prevents non-police public servants from inquiring about a person’s documentation status.

The commission also referenced a 2018 incident in which a Marine veteran was wrongfully turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) following a misdemeanor trespassing charge. The incident resulted in a $190,000 payout from the City and led to a similar policy change within the GRPD, which ensured that officers cannot make deportation threats or inquire about a person’s immigration status. The policy established GRPD would no longer perform immigration holds without a warrant.

“We are a city that is focused on safety and not status,” said City Manager Mark Washington. “We are not committing our resources to do things that are not in the highest priority of the city of Grand Rapids.”

Regardless of the commissioners’ seeming dismissal of the issue, nearly one hundred people still argued a change of heart during the meeting’s public comment section. Community comments lasted over three hours, with only two people advocating against sanctuary status. Many expressed that a declaration of sanctuary status was the least the City could do.

“(Establishing sanctuary status) is low hanging fruit,” said GR Rapid Response to ICE organizer Jeff Smith. “It’s a declaration, but it would certainly mean a lot to the affected community that they know the city where they live supports them.”

Several speakers urged the commissioners to stand up to federal immigration policies, including members of Grand Valley State University. GVSU Sociology Professor Joel Stillerman spoke from his standpoint as both a citizen and an educator that Grand Rapids should follow suit of cities with similar policies.

“The mayor and the city council should demonstrate courage and take the action that other cities have taken, rather than paving the way for federal authorities to rip families apart and remove people who are contributing to the community,” Stillerman said. “It’s not a rhetorical gesture, it’s policy.”

The commissioners closed the meeting by promising to look further into their funding and policies, but fell short of making any decision. Many community members left feeling their concerns hadn’t been taken seriously.

“I feel (dismissed),” said Gema Lowe, an organizer with Movimiento Cosecha. “Even after all this empathy in their words, (the commissioners) don’t put them (their words into) action. They just like not mentioning that they were afraid of losing funding, and so they put money over people.”

Individuals representing the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, GR Rapid Response to ICE, Grand Rapids Pride Center, Planned Parenthood and Grand Valley State University’s Progressive Student Union (PSU) spoke at the event. The groups called for support, awareness and change amid controversial actions made by President Donald Trump. Speakers addressed issues including immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, economic struggle, the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and climate change, furthering momentum in the City for political action.

Former Kent County Commissioner and Michigan State Senate candidate Ivan Diaz addressed attendees, imploring the crowd to continue efforts of support in the “struggle of a lifetime.” 

“Never ever be afraid to get into good, necessary trouble,” Diaz said. “I’m looking forward to seeing you all out on the streets, at the ballot box, city council meetings, school board meetings, town hall meetings, in Lansing (and) in D.C.”

Sam Tunningley, an organizer of the event, said he believes it’s time for not just local solidarity, but international solidarity.

“I want everyone to really internalize international solidarity,” Tunningley said.

While the event itself acknowledged various issues, the focus of the resulting march was largely on immigration. Protesters filled the streets and blocked traffic as they marched towards Monroe Avenue, where they were eventually pushed onto the sidewalk by Grand Rapids Police Department officers.

“We’re out here speaking up for people that can’t,” a protester shouted. “We’re the daughters of immigrants, so we just want everyone to know that we’re not gonna stay down.” 

Numerous protesters mentioned their support for undocumented immigrants against threats from the Trump administration. Supporters drove past the march waving Mexican flags while protesters chanted, “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” 

“We are under attack,” another protester voiced in the crowd. “(The government is) attacking immigrants who are working in the fields, restaurants, hotels (and) everywhere. Trump is a criminal. (Immigrants are) coming here to work, looking for a better life and this f*cker wants to deport us.”  

Many students from GVSU stood among the protesters, leading chants and holding homemade signs. Dorian Fedewa, a senior at the University, was in attendance to respond to the impact Trump’s policies have on his rights as a transgender person.

“I see all of our struggles as interconnected,” Fedewa said. “If I’m struggling, everybody else is too. That’s why I’m here.”

Fedewa said he was empowered by the march, and glad to see such a large turnout of like-minded advocates.

“I’ve been really depressed the past couple of weeks with everything going on, but seeing how many good people there are willing to stand up for others makes me hopeful,” Fedewa said.

Tunningley said the impact the event had on people such as Fedewa is exactly what he hoped for.

“I’ve been organizing for about five years and that (the march) was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen,” Tunningley said. “Being around them (community members) just fills your heart with optimism and that’s why we stress that people should get out onto the streets and take matters into their own hands.”

Student advocacy at the University will continue, with a protest organized by PSU in response to ICE action and immigration policy planned to take place Friday, Feb. 7.

Gallery • 30 Photos

GVL / Lee Marentette