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.”

“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.

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 festival at GVSU spotlighted a variety of performances, interactive activities, games and food, such as henna tattoos, Chinese zodiac readings, origami and an appearance by Grand Rapids’ Ascendant Lion Dance. Additionally, a fashion show took place, providing attendees the chance to admire custom, traditional designs from multiple cultures. ASU members have expressed the festival and similar events are essential in celebrating their heritage and cultural traditions.

Faculty, staff, students and community members at GVSU enjoyed the evening of festivities. Anna Miller, the faculty advisor of ASU and assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said she was happy to see the celebration and students’ efforts be successful.

“I know how much hard work goes into events like these and I am so proud to see the culmination of the executive boards’ efforts pay off,” said Miller.

Miller feels students, their families and friends enjoyed the celebration and that the festival’s environment was upbeat as well as comfortable. She emphasized the audience was diverse in cultures, backgrounds and brought in attendees from all generations.

“This year, there was a lot of diversity in the cultures represented and I am very glad to see that lesser publicized ethnic groups could be represented,” Miller said. “I think the best part of this festival is how unintimidating it is (for) anyone to attend and learn more about Asian culture. All of the performances were energetic, lively and vibrant.”

Elise Tchieng, the lead co-cultural coordinator for ASU, said the Asian New Year Festival holds great significance for the organization.

“It provides an opportunity to share and celebrate our diverse cultures,” Tchieng said via email. “By bringing people together, the festival promotes diversity, inclusion and cultural appreciation within the GVSU community.

Across the state, Michigan State University DEI Director Lauren Gaines sent an email to the school’s community Tuesday, Jan. 28 announcing the cancellation of their Lunar New Year celebration the day before it was set to take place.

“This decision comes in response to concerns shared by members of our community regarding the current issuance of Executive Orders related to immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion,” Gaines wrote. “These actions have prompted feelings of uncertainty and hesitation about gathering for events that highlight cultural traditions and communities.”

A few hours later, MSU Dean Heidi Hennink-Kaminski sent an email asking students not to view the decision as a “statement of policy,” but rather a response to input from concerned students. However, the event was later rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. According to university officials, MSU doesn’t intend to cancel future cultural events. 

Despite contentious circumstances at MSU, students and community members at GVSU delighted in the Asian New Year Festival, embracing various cultural traditions and activities.

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.

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“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.

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.”

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.”

There are two types of laptop services that are available from IT for student use– short-term and long-term loans. These loans help students who do not have access to laptops for both short and long periods of time.

“Short-term loaner laptops can be loaned out for a max of four hours from the Mary Idema Pew Library’s IT Service desk,” said McLaughlin-Gorski, the IT Service manager at GVSU. “You will need to provide your student ID to complete the transaction.”

McLaughlin-Gorski also mentioned that students on the Pew Campus can also make the same request at the Steelcase Library. This is the easiest and quickest method to obtain a laptop from the University. However, students who are looking to complete a long-term project or are waiting for their personal device to be repaired may want to consider a long-term laptop loan, which would entitle the student to an extended usage period.

The process to obtain a long-term laptop loan is a bit more complicated, as the request has to be approved by the University’s Replenish Basic Needs Center. Typically, these are laptops that are loaned out for two weeks, but must be requested in advance. Students cannot walk up to an IT Service desk and request laptops in the same manner as short-term loans. Specific instructions and regulations on the long-term loan program can be found on Replenish’s website.

“I have had a student walk up to the IT Service desk and request a long-term laptop,” McLaughlin-Gorski said. “I had to explain to the student that (at) that moment, I could (only) offer them a short-term loaner laptop for 4 hours.”

McLaughlin-Gorski added that once a student’s request is approved by Replenish for an agreed upon loan time, the University’s IT Service will fulfill the request. Students are then able to pick up their laptop from the IT Service once they’ve been contacted through email.

Since loaner laptops are a highly sought-after item, especially for students in a pinch, it is important to realize which times of the year are the busiest at the library. McLaughlin-Gorski wants students to know the library often faces high demand for loaner laptops during exam week and midterms, and encourages students to plan accordingly. In a true pinch, she recommends exploring other on-campus options for computer equipment.

“(While) you could wait until one (a laptop) becomes available, the best option is to use the numerous desktops across campus that are available,” McLaughlin-Gorski said.

McLaughlin-Gorski encourages students to take advantage of the University’s loaner laptops, permitting supply. However, she continues to caution students regarding the short supply of such technology on hand in the hopes of avoiding further shortages.

The IFC is a student-led organization that oversees and governs the fraternity community at GVSU. The Vice President of Community Development is a bridge-building role that promotes belonging, both within the IFC and the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) community. There has been speculation that the name change is in relation to current equity and inclusion policies being ushered in nationwide by the Trump administration. However, according to the Associate Director of Student Life Jeremy Paul, that is not the reason for the change.

“Several states have passed laws at the state level that have led to (the) re-framing of diversity, equity and inclusion work, however, the move by the GVSU IFC is not in response to laws in other states,” said Paul.

Dylan Mason, the vice president of Community Development, further emphasized Paul’s point.

“When I was elected as the JEDI chair at the beginning of the Winter 2025 semester, I was honored and excited to be Phi Kappa Tau’s first representative on the IFC Executive Board,” said Mason. “That excitement remains as strong as ever. These changes are designed to better align with the goals and direction of the IFC.”

Mason added that his position has always been about fostering connections in the GVSU community.

“(My role) serves as a bridge between the Interfraternity Community, the broader Fraternity & Sorority Life network and the greater GVSU community to ensure a sense of belonging for all,” stated Mason.

The new title is meant to improve the clarity of the position’s goals and convey expanded responsibilities.

“The title of vice president of Community Development clearly communicates its goals, while also continuing to support the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within the Interfraternity Council,” Paul stated.

Mason described that his role plays a vital part in shaping a positive Greek Life experience at the University by helping members feel supported and connected.

“By further developing this position to align with the structure of other FSL councils, we enhance its (the role’s) long-term effectiveness and impact,” Mason said. “That’s why I am honored to be the one leading this role into its next chapter, embracing its new name and position on the GVSU stage.”

In the future, Paul hopes the changes will provide more direction for the vice president role. He emphasized that he wants more people to feel like they can “find a home” in the University’s FSL community.

 “I’m looking forward to seeing how our fraternities can rise to the occasion of prioritizing belonging and community with the further expansion of the Community Development role,” Paul said.

Paul explained that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion remain a priority of both the IFC and FSL.

“Our Greek Standards and Assessment Program specifically assesses chapter performance in the area of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, along with seven other categories, and will continue to do so during the 2025 calendar year,” Paul stated. 

Although neither Paul nor Mason have heard student feedback regarding the change, they both welcome comments on how IFC can better support students in these areas.