After seeing the drastic move made by U-M and hearing increased opposition to DEI both locally and nationally, some students are voicing their support for programming at the University, despite no moves having been made to follow U-M footsteps. The Lanthorn reached out to Robert Shorty, the vice president for People, Equity and Culture, and the Inclusion and Equity Institute but neither were able to provide comment at time of publication.

At GVSU, DEI comprises departments, offices, events and educational initiatives. The Office of Multicultural Affairs, Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, the Division of People, Equity and Culture and the Inclusion and Equity Institute are similar examples to higher-ed efforts being targeted nationwide.

On Friday, March 28, Ottawa County Commissioner Joe Moss wrote a letter to President Philomena Mantella decrying campus DEI initiatives and requesting the closure of both the Division of People, Equity and Culture and the Inclusion and Equity Institute. Moss also requested the University to comply with federal law and guidelines surrounding transgender women in sports, as well as an update to the Weapons Policy. The letter came after Moss was found to be in violation of the policy by carrying a concealed firearm on campus.

The Lanthorn reached out to Mantella but has not received comment.

Both large and small-scale attacks on DEI have been criticized by students and community members, leading to a protest Thursday, April 3 in front of James H. Zumberge Hall. The protest was organized by the Progressive Student Union (PSU), Nourish Black Women and Voices for Justice. The student organizations aimed to persuade administration against any demands to eliminate DEI initiatives. 

“We felt it was important to rally students to show (the) GVSU administration we won’t tolerate any policy changes on DEI similar to what happened at the University of Michigan,” said Owen Frassetto, a PSU member.

Further, Frassetto stated he believes administration has not adequately opposed President Trump’s policies or the push for more conservative guidelines, mentioning the University’s rollback of certain Title IX protections in its harassment policy.

“Students uniting and making our voices heard can make administration think twice before making changes (to) DEI,” Frassetto said. 

Critics of DEI feel it is discriminatory against those that are not part of marginalized communities. Nevertheless, in a workplace setting, many studies have indicated that DEI initiatives lead to more productivity and general satisfaction. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center showed that a majority of workers agreed DEI efforts are good and create a more hospitable work environment. According to the University of Washington’s College of Medicine, DEI initiatives give institutions new perspectives, foster equitable environments and help provide opportunities to those who have been traditionally disadvantaged.

Senior Emily Christianson feels DEI on campuses is important in making students feel secure while they pursue an education.

“Without this (DEI), many (students) won’t feel comfortable staying at GVSU or even coming to GVSU.”

While it remains to be seen if any further changes will be mandated, many community members remain wrought with concern.

The Saturday, April 5 demonstration was part of a national day of action entitled “Hands Off!” Shortly before the rally got underway, a community organizer was taken into custody by Grand Rapids police officers who had a warrant out for their arrest.

Over 1,000 events were planned en-masse across the country, with the Grand Rapids rally organized by Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids, which is part of a national organization that advocates progressive politics. Michigan demonstrations were organized in Holland, Big Rapids and Muskegon, among other cities. A Lansing rally also took place at the State Capitol.

The Grand Rapids gathering included speeches, a poetry reading and activists flyering for a variety of community groups. Protesters then took to the city’s sidewalks, chanting, “This is what democracy looks like.”

Before the event began, GRPD officers arrested Emerson Wolfe, the co-chair of Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids (PSGR). According to Wolfe, they were apprehended for a warrant that was issued after an International Women’s Day march last month. Wolfe helped facilitate the demonstration and claimed the warrant was issued for failing to obey an officer’s order, a misdemeanor. 

According to a GRPD spokesperson, officers did not seek out Wolfe but placed them under arrest after they “approached a sergeant who was meeting with event organizers.”

Wolfe was held in custody at the Kent County Jail for a short period of time, but returned to the gathering following their release. They spoke to the crowd, commenting on their arrest.

“Instead of helping us (safely protest), the Grand Rapids Police Department decided to repress our movement and arrest me as a figurehead,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe encouraged community members to “fight back” by engaging in actions that support immigrants, unions, the transgender community and the Black power movement.

Protesters, including community member Savannah Harrington, also expressed upset over what they feel is a disenfranchisement of rights for transgender and immigrant populations. Harrington was glad to see people taking action in Grand Rapids and across the country, despite what she described as the Trump administration’s attempt to stifle dissent.

“The Trump administration has tried its darndest to incite fear in the general public, making them feel like they’re not allowed to have free speech or protest,” Harrington said. “The fact that people are standing up despite that is reflective of who we are as a society.”

Grand Valley State University student Dorian Fedewa took part in the protest. He has attended previous city demonstrations and feels community members are increasingly compelled to join rallies. 

Fedewa noted the “Hands Off” gathering and similar actions have the ability to foster solidarity in times that many deem “hopeless.”

“That feeling of solidarity helps give people hope and also helps show the leaders of Grand Rapids (and) the police department that we’re not going to put up with repression and oppression,” Fedewa said.

Community member Susie Krupp said she’s felt downhearted by the state of political affairs in the United States. Yet, she voiced her excitement about the nationwide demonstrations and is hoping for “dramatic” political change.

“I really hope and feel like this could be the tide that changes things,” Krupp said.

The investigation into GVSU originated from a federal civil rights complaint filed in January by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), a conservative advocacy organization, over 11 scholarships at the University. Although the EPP asserts its commitment to equity and civil rights, it has solely filed complaints against initiatives and programs designed to assist marginalized individuals.

The EPP has also expressed strong opposition to DEI initiatives, critical race theory and the Black Lives Matter movement. Other universities, including the University of Michigan, are under investigation for partnering with the non-profit organization the PhD Project, which helps those from marginalized communities get doctoral degrees in business. GVSU and the University of Michigan are the state’s only two institutions under investigation.

“We are reviewing this communication (from the OCR) and will respond as appropriate,” said Assistant Vice President of University Communications Chris Knape. “Grand Valley State University is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment while complying with all applicable laws.”

In response to the investigation’s launch, GVSU President Philomena Mantella released a statement addressing both student and faculty concerns. According to Mantella, the University’s legal team is reviewing the notice, communicating with the OCR and gathering related information. Mantella also acknowledged the stress that the investigation may create for the campus community, but claimed the University will uphold its values while complying with the law. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs declined to comment on the federal investigation. 

GVSU student Foster Hazen feels the University’s scholarships that are being targeted are essential in providing everyone with an opportunity to succeed academically.

“The scholarships (at GVSU) are an attempt to bridge the wealth and education gap caused by institutional racism, (and) give disadvantaged students an equitable, approximate opportunity at higher education,” said student Foster Hazen. “There are hundreds, if not thousands, of scholarships available to white students. Why feel entitled to the (less than a dozen scholarships) that aim to make education more accessible to your peers?” 

Hazen also noted that providing marginalized students with access to financial resources should be a top priority for educational institutions across the country.

“Having a diverse and well-supported student body is the key to having a representational workforce, which can enable change at a systemic level,” Hazen said.

The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers, the largest teacher unions in America, have filed a federal lawsuit against the investigations. The lawsuit claims the investigations are based on unconstitutionally vague and unfounded claims, especially regarding universities’ supposed violations of the Fifth Amendment. It also accuses the Trump administration of violating the First Amendment by restricting the freedom of speech in classrooms and not allowing educators to teach ethnic studies.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion programs create a sense of belonging where we all feel comfortable sharing our ideas and lived experiences,” said NEA President Becky Pringle on the NEA website. “It (DEI programs) gives people who look and sound like me, and who come from communities like mine, who speak a different language, or first-generation college students, a foot in the door and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

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 student ID bill was sponsored by the Senate’s Chief of Staff, Evan Jackson. According to the bill, students could theoretically display their student ID on mobile devices through near-field communication by adding their ID to their digital wallet. Passed in a unanimous 32-0 vote, the Student Senate is urging the University to look into the cost, security measures, technology partnerships and other needs to make digitization possible.

Similarly, many students at GVSU have shifted to the use of mobile payments and digital wallets for everyday use rather than using physical credit cards. This habit, in conjunction with students’ integration of technology in other daily tasks, led Student Senate to pursue a more contemporary use of IDs on campus.

“Digitizing student IDs will improve convenience, accessibility and sustainability on campus,” Jackson said. “Students already use their phones for most daily tasks and transactions, and carrying a physical ID can be an extra hassle, especially when lost or forgotten.” 

Jackson said the new ID system could be as simple as allowing students to use the digital ID in campus dining halls, convenience stores, the Recreation Center and other events that require student identification. The senate hypothesizes the digital approach could even be adapted to use in on-campus housing, as well as on the Laker Line bus system.

“The bill came about after conversations with fellow students, meetings with key stakeholders like the IT Department and research into other universities implementing digital student IDs,” said Jackson.

When the bill was put up to vote in the senate’s General Assembly, many senators recognized the impact and practicality digitization offers to campus life. 

“The lives of students are busy, and any way that campus can be made more convenient is something worth investing in,” said Student Senate Public Relations Chair Ty Vanlerberghe. “Evan’s bill takes an innovative approach to providing convenience by encouraging the addition of student IDs to smart wallets. Students can have one less thing to juggle when attending (sporting) events, utilizing campus recreation and accessing campus dining,”

Senator Sophie Gemmen helped to develop the senate’s press release for the bill. Gemmen said she is eager to see how the project progresses in the near future.

“I voted in favor of the bill because I believe digitizing student IDs is a fantastic initiative that I know would make my life much easier,” Gemmen said. “I am grateful for all of Evan’s work on this bill, especially when considering the number of stakeholders involved in following through with a project as intricate as this one.”

Gemmen is not alone in her excitement about the prospect. Vanlerberghe said the student body’s reaction to the legislation has been mostly positive. 

“Many of my peers have reached out to me and other members of our body (the senate) to express both their gratitude for the bill, and their eagerness to see this change come to campus,” Vanlerberghe said. “I think that serves as a testament to the importance of this idea, and how it is truly centered around a topic that touches students.” 

Jackson confirmed that despite the excitement, University faculty and staff still have things to consider before the bill can officially be put into action and students are able to add their ID to their digital wallets.

“Since the bill just passed, the next step is for administration to assess the feasibility of implementing digital IDs, including technical requirements and cost considerations,” Jackson said. “While there is no set timeline, students can expect updates from Student Senate as the University begins reviewing the logistics and potential rollout phases.”

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

Trustees discussed the development of new courses, majors and programs, and brought attention to systematic and technological commitments in the University’s future. The BOT also touched on societal and political forces pressuring higher education institutions; however, some attendees wished to see more direct conclusions on that front.

The new degree programs, expected to be released for the Fall 2025 semester, include a bachelor’s and master’s in artificial intelligence and software engineering. These programs were co-designed with input from industry partners during the College of Computing’s August brainstorming sessions to ensure courses align with real-world, industry needs. 

According to an article published on the School of Computing’s website, the AI and software engineering programs will provide students with cutting-edge skills in the fields and make GVSU a leader in computing education.

The AI program features training in robotics, human-AI interaction, computer vision, natural language processing and cybersecurity, with a strong emphasis on ethical AI and human-centered design. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in AI systems, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, edge and cloud artificial intelligence and human-centered artificial intelligence.

The software engineering program will allow students to gain hands-on experience with technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, data analytics, virtual reality and embedded systems. Learning such skills would help ensure graduates have the expertise needed to build reliable, efficient and cost-effective software systems.

The BOT also approved three motions for charter schools in the area. These included the authorization of a new Montessori school, the renewal of seven existing charter schools and the reappointment of school board members.

President Philomena Mantella also took the time to address uncertainty in educational and political climates. Despite national ambiguity, she acknowledged GVSU maintains a responsibility to support students’ development in an educational environment. 

“In a world full of uncertainty, there is a certainty in our strength,” Mantella said. “We will turn tensions and the unpredictable winds of change into an ability to unleash GVSU value, GVSU people and our ability to adapt without distraction from our own personal mission.” 

GVSU Professor Andrew Spear spoke to the BOT during the meeting’s public comment portion, reflecting on Mantella’s speech. He was able to find parallels between his sentiment and ideas conveyed by Mantella, a sign that, to him, was “very encouraging.”

Spear claimed all universities are currently facing pressure and hostility, which ultimately affects students’ education. He warned against the threat of short-term thinking and unchecked leadership, restating that the University’s foundational goals uphold education.

Spear drew connections from literature written by Hannah Arendt, a German-Jewish intellectual, author and refugee, relaying dubiety in the future of education. He recited a quote from Arendt’s 1954 work “The Crisis in Education.” 

“To preserve the world against the morality of its creators and inhabitants it must be constantly set anew,” Spear recited. “Education is the point at which we decide whether we love the world enough to assume responsibility for it, and by the same token, save it from that ruin, which, except for renewal, except for the coming of the new and young, would be inevitable.”

Spear said it’s natural to make compromises in the face of adversity. However, he added that such compromises shouldn’t sacrifice integral values of educational institutions.

“Compromise can go too far if it distorts or undermines our mission (at GVSU),” Spear said.

The State of the Student Senate address was held at the University’s Cook-DeWitt Center. The address highlighted various updates from each of the Senate’s five committees, along with updates from the Senate president and vice president. In addition to discussing each committee’s policies, reestablishing faculty-student relationships and solidifying responsibilities of the new “chief of staff” position were central focuses.

Senate President Quinten Proctor opened the address by providing updates on his recent work, which included reestablishing relationships between faculty and students. To do so, Proctor has worked closely with the University Academic Senate (UAS).

“Generally, faculty care a lot about the student experience and want to ensure students are successful, so student and faculty interests are aligned in many ways,” Proctor said. “I’ve worked very closely with Courtney Karasinski, the chair of (UAS), which has helped us both have a greater understanding of student and faculty perspectives on issues.”

In March, Proctor said he plans to introduce a new bill to the Senate focusing on learning disabilities, alongside Senator Brin DeVries.

“(The bill) will for sure be asking Inclusion and Equity and the (Pew) Faculty Teaching and Learning Center to create module(s) highlighting disabilities, and also (how) communication challenges can impact students’ experience and ability to engage in class,” Proctor said. “This would be a resource available to faculty seeking to better support students, and this bill will encourage faculty to use (the) module.”

The bill proposal may also call to shift a portion of mandatory staff “core competency” training to focus on inclusivity, though Proctor said the bill is still in the developmental stage.

Chief of Staff

Following Proctor’s speech, Senate Chief of Staff Evan Jackson was introduced. His position is a brand new role to Student Senate, and was established in the organization’s restructuring last year. Jackson said building the position from the ground up has been “both rewarding and challenging.”

“Since this was the first time Grand Valley’s Student Senate had a Chief of Staff, I had the unique opportunity to define what the role should be,” Jackson said. “My focus has been on three key pillars: efficiency, accountability and communication. That meant ensuring committees and executive leadership were aligned, holding senators accountable to their commitments and creating stronger communication between (the) Senate and the student body.”

Jackson said he has worked to simplify the Senate structure to make it easier for the general public to understand his position. He has also assisted senators with 193 events, and

addressed results from a mid-semester survey, which highlighted successes made by the Senate. Survey findings show that 97% of senators felt engaged during General Assembly meetings, and spotlighted a rise in organizational diversity.

Advocacy & Policy

The chair of the Senate’s Advocacy Committee, Genna Wright, shared information about multiple events that the Advocacy Committee recently helped make possible. These events include teach-ins, service opportunities honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and spreading awareness about breast cancer in October.

Wright teased the introduction of a new event in the works titled “Multicultural Night.” The event will be held on Thursday, March 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Kirkhof’s Grand River Room. The event’s focus is to highlight the diverse culture found throughout the University’s campuses.

Policy Chair Alec Palumbo shared that the Policy Committee has been working to build relationships with on-campus services, such as Housing and Residence Life, Parking Services, the Office of Sustainability Practices and the University Libraries. He also shared further information about a holiday bill for international students that was passed in January by the Senate.

Other legislative updates included the introduction of a new bill to provide Narcan, menstrual products and other health-related resources to students in an accessible manner. Vice President Paris Lawson further addressed the initiative in her closing remarks.

Allocation Address

Allocations Committee Chair Nancy Boyd said the committee was able to utilize a $100,000 fund from the Office of Student Life to help 50 different student organizations.

“Student Senate is honored to support student organizations (that) have members dedicated to engaging the campus community,” Boyd said. “Allocating $100,000 to diligent and enthusiastic student organizations has been an absolute honor. They (student organizations) are the backbone of this campus.”

For any allocation of funds to be given, a registered student organization can request funding on LakerLink, which will then be reviewed by the Senate’s Allocations Committee. Following this, requests can be denied, approved or adjusted.

The committee was also able to use a portion of the reserve fund to renovate the Russel H. Kirkhof Center by upgrading audiovisual systems in several rooms of the building. The $200,000 allocation to upgrade these systems improves convenience for faculty and students. Of the 12 rooms in Kirkhof that have or are in the process of being renovated, three have received equipment to become “Zoom rooms.”

“This allocation upgrades incredibly outdated technology (in Kirkhof), and allows these rooms to accommodate events and clubs that require such technology,” Boyd said.

Public Relations Address

The Public Relations Committee’s main focus has been improving its social media engagement and collaborations with other on-campus services.

Ty Vanlerberghe, public relations chair, shared that there has been a 250% increase in the Senate’s Instagram engagement.

“Aside from collaboration, this year, I am especially proud of our expanded social media presence with an increased professionalism across our accounts,” Vanlerberghe said.

Health Vending Bill

Lawson closed out the address talking about the focus of her work in the Senate. Lawson shared that she has facilitated the Senate’s legislative process, worked on dashboard documents and recently passed a bill to add health vending machines to areas of the University’s Allendale, Pew and Health Campuses.

The machines will provide free Narcan, emergency contraception, condoms, over-the-counter medication, menstrual products and pregnancy tests.

The bill is a great pride of many senators, and Proctor said he is very proud of the Senate’s work.

“The Vice President, Paris Lawson, spent a lot of time and effort to write this bill and garner support from stakeholders across campus,” Proctor said. “I also think this bill will be impactful to students.”

Overall, Senate Events Chair Karen Theakston feels one of the most promising developments of late has been the building of unity between senators.

“I’m deeply proud of how our Student Senate has significantly ramped up its involvement in various events and activities, particularly in (its) volunteering efforts,” Theakston said. “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in collaboration among senators, (which has) fostered a sense of unity and teamwork that has been truly heartwarming.”

Pay adjustments for Michigan employees have sparked disputes among lawmakers and questions from state residents. As legislative ground for the future of Michigan’s minimum wage continues to shake, employers within Grand Valley State University prepare to acclimate to the new requirements.

A 2024 decision by Michigan government officials raised the minimum wage from $10.33 to $10.56 on Jan. 1, 2025. The Feb. 21 increase is set to add another $1.92 per hour.

These changes fall in line with the Michigan Supreme Court’s efforts toward ‘tip credit’ erasure. The minimum wage for tipped individuals is also set to increase to $5.99 an hour on Feb. 21. The corresponding changes to tipped employees’ base pay is set to incrementally increase until workers eventually receive base pay at the rate of minimum wage after 2030.

Both initiatives have stirred controversy from politicians and lawmakers, which prompted Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to call for a prompt bipartisan solution or continue to push the plan’s rollout into the summer.

The Michigan Senate also just moved forward with a bill that aims to implement a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour by 2027, which awaits House approval.

An additional policy change referred to as the Earned Sick Time Act was decided upon over summer 2024, and will also roll out on Feb. 21. The legislation details new benefits that could accommodate low income workers by mandating a certain amount of paid sick leave based on the number of people employed by a business.

According to an article published by Michigan Advance, Michigan businesses would be required to give employees 40 hours of paid sick leave and 32 hours of unpaid sick leave in one year if an employer has fewer than 10 workers.

If an employer has 10 or more employees, the business would have to give employees 72 hours of paid sick leave.

The Michigan House and Senate have both individually proposed alternative legislation to trim back these changes. The act faces pressure, as it’s expected to take effect in a matter of days.

At GVSU, most hourly positions on campus will be affected by the wage increase. The average wage rate for student employees ranged from $10.56 to $12.01 during the Fall 2024 semester. The University’s pay scale is set to implement the mandated raise in minimum wage once it’s been enacted.

GVSU Mary Idema Pew Library employees Miranda Willer and Julianne Solack have both been student employees for multiple years. Despite feeling positive about the minimum wage boost, both Willer and Solack identified additional pressing issues in campus employment they feel should be addressed.

“It’s important that (the government) protects having a minimum (wage), but (on campus, we need) more jobs (and) more hours,” Solack said.

Willer took a broader perspective on the benefits of increased wages. They said the raise will benefit not only Michigan students, but also the international student population, as they “can only work on campus.”

Willer said they feel certain on-campus jobs have fair wages, but that other GVSU workplaces do not.

“Here (at the library), I’ve been pretty happy with (pay),” Willer said. “(However), with campus dining, not at all.”

Solack felt similarly in regard to campus dining employees because “they do more work and get paid less.”

“I think (minimum wage) should continue to rise,” Solack said.  “Especially if you’re there (at a certain workplace) for more time, I think you should get raises not just based on performance, (but the hours spent) working there.”

Tatum Nichols is a student employee in the University’s Student Employment Office. Nichols finds the minimum wage increase to be a generous step in the right direction.

“Do I think that (the increase is) enough for students to live off of and pay rent and everything for school? Not necessarily,” Nichols stated. “But, I do think we’re getting to a point where people are starting to recognize that students do need to be paid more to survive.”

To Nichols’ point, research shows lower income households within the Midwest particularly suffer as a result of America’s economic crisis. The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) named the Midwest a “particularly unaffordable region.” This highlights the notion that living in Michigan can be expensive for many students.

“On average, Michigan public bachelor’s-granting institutions were less affordable than those nationally, with an average affordability gap of $2,445, compared to $1,690,” noted a NCAN article in December.

Many Michigan government officials acknowledged this gap in some capacity when the Michigan Achievement Scholarship was signed into law.

As a way to further combat financial hardships facing young adults, the scholarship opportunity is a renewable grant for eligible Michigan residents enrolled at public or private institutions. These grants averaged around $4,000 awarded to just under 30,000 students in the state over the 2023-2024 academic year.

The bills relating to tipped workers and sick leave await approval from the House floor before they can go into effect. Many Michigan workers do not feel confident regarding statewide policy development, especially since lawmakers have already passed bills to slow the wage increase. With the Michigan Supreme Court’s legislation almost in motion, the Feb. 21 rollout looms large.

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.

Chris Knape, the assistant vice president of University Communications also explained that as time goes on, the University will continue to keep the campus community informed.

Although the funding freeze would not have impacted students’ aid, many GVSU community members are concerned about possible changes to financial aid that could take place in the future.

“My heart dropped when I saw the news about the freeze,” said GVSU student Lily Schinbeckler.“If the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is taken away, I will not be able to finish my degree. That (not getting a degree) would leave me much less well off than if I were to get a proper education, which is a poverty sentence in this economy. I feel uncertain about the future.”

Some GVSU students were not surprised by the Trump administration’s initial action to freeze federal funding.

 “When I first saw the news, I was kind of shocked, but not surprised, considering Trump was hinting for a while (at) stopping social welfare programs,” said GVSU student Matteo Lambardi di San Miniato. “It definitely makes me more anxious though for the future, as I am very lucky in the sense that (I have) a family who currently pays only around $1,000 or $2,000 per year because of (a) very generous grant offer.”

According to Inside Higher Ed, the Trump administration is also already preparing its next executive order, which will begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education (DOE). However, many are speculating the administration is waiting on Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee to lead DOE, to be confirmed before moving forward.

If DOE were to be abolished, there would be many changes to how schools are currently funded. According to Michelle Miller-Adams, a former professor at GVSU and political science professor emeritus, DOE is home to three very important programs; the first of which administers Title I funds, which go to schools that serve larger proportions of low-income students.

“It (DOE also) enforces and partially funds special education services for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975,” Miller-Adams said. “Most relevant for college students, it (DOE) administers the federal student aid system, including Pell Grants and federally subsidized loans.”

Miller-Adams explained that many areas of funding could be transferred over to a different governmental area, but given the Trump administration’s agenda, students will likely see a budget reduction for programs within DOE.

“The U.S. Department of Education is an important provider of education-related data, which is used by researchers and policymakers,” Miller-Adams said. “It’s unclear if data repositories, such as the National Center for Education Statistics, would survive a shutdown of the department. The department is also the chief monitor and enforcer of students’ civil rights, a function that would almost certainly be lost with its closure.”