The Thursday, April 17 demonstration was organized by the Advocacy Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) at GVSU. Over 100 assemblies were held across the country by the Coalition for Action in Higher Education to protest the Trump administration’s funding cuts to education and research, as well as the revocation of international student visas.

AAUP is a national organization of faculty and academic professionals that seeks to foster dialogue, raise awareness of issues and elevate university faculty voices. The day of action, endorsed by national AAUP, was established last year.

At GVSU, student organizations including The Olive Tree, Students for a Democratic Society, Progressive Student Union and Voices for Justice took part in the demonstration. University community members came together for speeches and chants, citing what they felt was the need to defend higher education from federal attacks.

Organizers and attendees said they believe universities are a space for social change, advocating for freedom in education and social equity.

“This space, university spaces, are potentially spaces of revolutionary social change,” said Brian Deyo, associate professor of English and the University’s AAUP president. “We’re all here to defend this place (GVSU).”

Joel Wendland-Liu, a professor in the University’s Integrative Studies Program, spoke to attendees about why he took part in the event.

“I feel like we’re under attack,” Wendland-Liu stated. “This university (and) the university system in general across the country is under attack.”

Wendland-Liu expressed that despite federal policies targeting diversity, equity and inclusion in education, universities have a duty to protect all members of their community.

“Diversity is a fact (and) a reality,” Wendland-Liu said. “It’s not something we shove under the carpet and ignore. It is part of our lives. When a member of our community is under attack, we fight back.”

National AAUP, alongside local chapters, have sued the Trump administration over the dismantling of the Department of Education and research funding cuts. AAUP is also part of a lawsuit alleging the federal government is violating the First Amendment by singling out noncitizens for their pro-Palestine beliefs.

English major Jackson Hicks and education student Ian McGuckin spoke to demonstration attendees. Hicks read from his class project, which centered on the role of the humanities and what he believes to be a for-profit education system. McGuckin discussed his view of public education’s function in democratic societies. 

“They (educational institutions) create informed citizens (with) the ability to critically evaluate arguments and analyze evidence,” McGuckin said. “Most importantly, they equip us with tools to work against structures of hierarchy, inequality and domination.” 

McGuckin claimed he wanted to challenge a “narrative of fear” that he’s observed among people who disagree with President Donald Trump’s actions. According to McGuckin, students are the voice of the future and have the power to create large-scale social change.

“We are here because we care deeply about the future of our nation,” McGuckin said. “Inner conviction is a power no government or leader can take from us.”

Wendland-Liu also mentioned this, asserting his belief that Trump wants college students and faculty nationwide to be silent out of fear for their current or future professions and finances. 

“That’s not gonna save any one of us,” Wendland-Liu. “That’s not gonna save this university (or) any of the people in our community who are under attack for their existence and being as people.”

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.

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.

“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.”

In the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on immigration, the federal government has prompted nearly 150 student visas to be revoked, often without any warning or notice to either the students or their universities. Just this week, Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan discovered the visas of several current and former students had suddenly been revoked by DHS. This forces students to either reapply for a visa or flee the country, which one University of Michigan student already has. GVSU now joins the growing list of affected institutions. 

Padnos International Center has contacted the two students in an effort to “offer care and appropriate support,” but the University has not shared any further details. Students and families with questions were pointed toward International Student Services. 

GVSU enrolls over 600 international students per semester from over 60 different countries, making up 2.8% of the student body. While the announcement iterated international students’ place in the campus community, additional student visas may now be under threat in the face of the current administration. 

“International students have been part of GVSU’s campus community since 1963,” the same statement read. “They are welcome here and contribute much to the vitality of our campus.”

This is a developing story, and will continue to be monitored by the Lanthorn.

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.”

Jackson said when he first became chief of staff, his goal was to give the brand-new role a lasting impact and make Student Senate more effective, focused and better equipped to serve students.

“I saw an opportunity to bring clarity to our organization’s inner workings, streamline how we operate and create a more balanced structure,” Jackson said.

In his new role, Jackson hopes to expand the ability of students to voice campus concerns and build an inclusive culture. His goal is to create a culture where students feel inspired to play a part in the campus’ future.

“I aim to expand how we connect with students and elevate their voices in every conversation that shapes this university,” Jackson said. “That means advocating for real changes like expanding dining options, enhancing campus engagement on weekends and ensuring students feel heard and included.”

Like Jackson, Vanlerberghe hopes to usher in a smooth transition as he leaves his previous role for the new position.

“The work of the public relations chair is to ensure clear and active communication between (the) Student Senate and the student body,” Vanlerberghe said. “My goal is for no momentum to be lost in transition. I am confident moving forward that my position will be in good hands and I am concentrating on empowering their success as much as possible.” 

Vanlerberghe said building relationships with students and helping them understand campus resources has been one of his biggest personal  accomplishments thus far. He hopes to continue fostering a strong relationship between students and the senate.

“Looking ahead, I am dedicated to growing the strength and community inside of our body and fostering a culture that is eager to work for students, with students,” Vanlerberghe said. “I want (the) Student Senate to be as effective as possible, and am ready to work to do so.”

Trump’s order stated it would “return authority over education to the States and local communities,” and the President announced student aid would be shifted to the Small Business Association (SBA), an independent government agency. Closing DOE requires congressional approval. Even if it were to pass, many doubt the possibility of SBA overseeing student aid, especially in the face of staff cuts across federal agencies.

Still, the order has raised significant concern over the implications the order may have for students. However, according to Michelle Roads, the associate vice president of the University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, GVSU has not made any preemptive changes as a result of the federal order.

“We have not heard of anything that will change from the student or parent perspective, and no changes that we know of now to any financial aid amounts,” Rhodes said. 

Many students at GVSU heavily rely on Federal Student Aid to pay for their education. Sophomore Regina Lavalle is one student who relies on government aid. She explained that neither she nor her parents can pay the full cost of tuition, especially since her little brother is also starting college. Lavalle expressed worry and frustration over the current situation. 

“If there are huge changes I am not sure I will be able to continue my education,” Lavalle said. “I rely on loans and grants to pay my tuition and am not sure I will be able to pay without them. Even if the amount just lessens, that may affect me.”

Another sophomore, Sara Duffiney, also relies on federal loans to pay for her education. For her, any large changes to financial aid would mean taking out even more private loans. This has led Duffiney to feel uncertain over what her educational journey will look like over the next few years.

“I’m not really sure what I would do if I did not receive federal loans,” Duffiney said. “My only plan as of right now involves cutting out parts of my payment to Grand Valley in the next few semesters to reduce my overall bill. Some of these (cuts) include not getting a meal plan, living off campus and not purchasing a campus parking pass.”

Rhodes said students would be notified, should any updates to financial aid occur. She concluded the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is available to answer questions from students about FAFSA and Financial Aid. In the meantime, students can visit their webpage for clarity about FASFA. 

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 Monday, March 31 event took place on Trans Day of Visibility, and was facilitated by the University’s resource center, the Grand Rapids Pride Center and the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation. Over 70 attendees listened to Coleman, a transgender internet personality known for his advocacy and educational content. 

“(Coleman) talked about what trans visibility means to him and also touched on being unapologetically yourself,” said D. Hollowell, the assistant director of the LGBT Resource Center. “(He also) let people know you don’t have to have an encyclopedic knowledge of your identity, nor the history you’re a part of.”

LGBT Resource Center Director DL McKinney said the event was “really loving” and created community.

“There’s this feeling of ‘how do we pull each other in and make sure, out of everything in this world, we got us,’” said McKinney. “Everything in my heart was smooth.”

According to GLAAD, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, Trans Day of Visibility is described as “a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the disproportionate levels of poverty, discrimination and violence the community faces compared to cisgender people.” 

To Hollowell, trans visibility and the University’s celebration come down to encouraging and supporting authenticity.  

“In a lot of ways, (trans visibility celebrations are) kind of our Super Bowl,” said Hollowell. “Classes are not in session during June, which is Pride Month and so we really try to squeeze what we can into trans visibility (events),” said Hollowell.

Hollowell added the goal of the celebration was to provide assistance to the University’s trans and gender-diverse community.

“We just really want to encourage (those) part of the trans community, folks who are gender diverse (and) anyone to feel like they can be in their own authentic spaces regardless of where they walk into,” Hollowell said. “We (hope) people feel they are supported and (that) they matter.”

The LGBT Resource Center kicked off Trans Week of Visibility on Tuesday, March 25 with an assembly at the Cook Carillon Tower. Justine Lindsay, a professional dancer and first trans woman cheerleader in the NFL, spoke at the event. The annual Pride Prom also took place Friday, March 28.

The LGBT Resource Center continually attempts to provide extensive resources for campus community members and promote both culture and inclusivity. Hollowell pointed toward the University’s upcoming Lavender Graduation Wednesday, April 16, a celebration of LGBTQ+ and ally graduates.

As for community resources outside of Trans Week of Visibility, the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation provides academic scholarships for transgender students, name change support, legal document updates, gender-affirming items and a support group. For those looking to support the LGBTQ+ community, The Grand Rapids Pride Center has a plethora of opportunities to volunteer, donate, attend events, shop and join committees dedicated to inclusivity. 

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.”

CAB leadership was unavailable for comment at the time of this article’s publication.

This year marks the sixth time in the Spring Concert’s 16-year history that it won’t be held. Most recently, in 2020 and 2021, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of the post’s comments echoed disappointment, with several students commenting they’d “known” the Spring Concert would be canceled. Other students tagged artists such as Pitbull, Trippie Redd and Snoop Dogg asking them to “save” the event, or suggesting another Silent Disco be organized for the originally scheduled evening.

Dominic Asam, a senior at GVSU, noted he wasn’t surprised by students’ reactions. 

“I think from a lot of students’ perspective in what I see online, people have really unrealistic expectations for the Spring Concert, and it’s ridiculous,” Asam said. “When you set standards so high, you’re gonna get disappointed every single time. I empathize with the CAB team because planning this is no cakewalk, but I get the disappointment as well. I also think it’s an opportunity to do something new.” 

Before the announcement of the concert’s cancellation, students also commented on past CAB posts, asking who the performer for the event would be.  As time ticked by and no announcement had been made, questions turned to suspicions regarding whether or not there would even be a Spring Concert at all. This was reiterated through multiple posts on the anonymous messaging app YikYak, with people going so far as to make jokes about performing in their front yards for the event.

Annah Stang, a junior at the University, emphasized she enjoys the annual Spring Concert due to its inherent sense of community.

“My favorite part of the concert is how much it can unify the campus community,” Stang said. 

Still, Stang empathized with the student body, as well as CAB leadership, noting all individuals involved are likely feeling let down by the decision. 

“I know it is a favorite event, and it’s hard not to feel disappointed,” said Stang. “However, I trust the students (that are) working hard to put on an event of this scale. I’m sure they are already feeling low, and it’s important to try to be understanding.”

Lorraine Tharnish, also a GVSU junior, has positive memories of past Spring Concerts. Tharnish noted that while she’d be excited to see a high-profile musician play, she’d also enjoy a local artist.

“My freshman year, lovelytheband played during the fall,” Tharnish said. “It was really fun (and) all of my friends enjoyed it. I would love to see a big artist, but I’d also be just as happy to see a smaller, more local band play.”

Regardless of the cancellation, it seems students are still looking forward to smaller, on-campus events hosted by CAB in the coming weeks. CAB has also published a survey to gauge feedback from students on future Spring Concert artists.

The event will include a 5k fun run, two-mile walk, one-mile dog walk and kids’ run and aims to promote exercise health in the community. All participants will receive a commemorative medal and T-shirt. In addition, there will be an Easter egg hunt and Easter Bunny appearance.

Irwin was inspired to organize the festivities because of her love for running. She has competed in similar 5k events and triathlons, but is excited to participate this time around with WGVU and the local community.

“It’s an opportunity not only to strengthen the heart, but sharpen the mind,” Irwin said. “I enjoy taking one step at a time to achieve a goal, whether it’s training for a 5k, a triathlon or a marathon.”

Iriwn feels the race has the benefit of bringing like-minded people together. Since it will be the inaugural fun run, she is hoping to set the tone going forward and make the event a staple in the West Michigan community. 

“One always looks to the ‘inaugural’ for setting the bar, but here’s hoping this event will encourage an annual healthy gathering,” Irwin said. “In my world, (I hope) do this every year to both fund and friend-raise in the spirit of fitness.”

Irwin said the idea started as a unique fundraising opportunity for WGVU and morphed into a community event that focuses on health and wellness.

Laura Caprara, who owns the digital marketing firm Stellafly, is acting as the race’s director. Caprara seeks to bring awareness to a cause she truly believes in: the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“As a long-time advocate for fitness and community engagement, it was a natural fit to help organize an event that brings people together while encouraging physical activity,” Caprara said. “My background in community events and network of local contacts made it possible to gather the right team to make this run a success.”

Caprara said she originally became involved in the fun run because of her connection to Irwin, as they both knew each other from the local running scene. With the inaugural event comes the pressure of hosting an enjoyable gathering—Caprara is ready for the challenge.

“Beyond the numbers, we want to create an inclusive experience by adding adaptive race options and expanding our family-friendly activities,” Caprara said. “We’ve set a goal to make this the most community-focused fun run yet.”

As far as Caprara is concerned, there are many benefits to holding a fun run. An emphasis on community is something that Caprara and Irwin both highlighted.

“Events like the run create essential community bonds while promoting health and wellness,” Caprara said. “They (runs) bring together people of all ages and backgrounds in a positive environment.”

To Caprara, attendees at fun runs are able to recognize how their participation directly benefits both their personal health and the community.

“It’s a wonderful way for families to be active together and for individuals to challenge themselves in a supportive setting,” Caprara said. “We’ve made sure there’s something enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re running or cheering.”