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.”

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.

Michigan Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten hosted a town hall in Grand Rapids on Thursday, March 27. The event, held at Grand Rapids Christian High School, was packed with hundreds of community members aiming to voice their concerns regarding government and the current political system.

Throughout the town hall, Scholten discussed the existence of social services, and encouraged Republican members of Congress to stand up against President Donald Trump. She also emphasized constituents’ power in elections and the role of the legislative branch in checking executive powers.

Being town halls are funded by tax dollars, Scholten was unable to advocate for voting a certain way or another. This was Scholten’s sixth town hall since Trump was inaugurated, and she held another in Grand Haven the following day.

In her opening remarks, Scholten began by thanking the crowd for showing up and asked audience members to raise their hands if they felt confident and positive about the country’s direction. Not a single audience member raised their hand. 

“Since (Trump) began his second term, my office has received thousands, literally thousands, of phone calls expressing outrage at the direction of our country, indignation over the actions of Elon Musk and DOGE, and fear over whether they or a loved one might lose access to healthcare, Social Security or their housing,” Scholten said.

Scholten aimed to assure weary attendees that she wanted to meet in person to address their anxieties. She proceeded to take a shot at Michigan Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga, who has only held town halls over the phone since 2018. 

Throughout the town hall, both Trump and Musk’s names were met with boos from the audience. Constituents voiced particular concern over executive overreach, cuts to Medicaid and Trump’s order that calls for the Department of Education’s dismantling.

Near the end of the town hall, fear and anger boiled to the surface as an audience member asked if Scholten and the Democratic Party have a plan in place to protest against “extreme events.”

“If we get to the place where the President is turning the military on his own people and we are under martial law, yes there is a plan for that,” Scholten claimed. “Congress has the power to stop martial law and the Democrats will certainly push back against it. We will need everybody and I hope Republicans will join us.”

Caleb Alman, of Kalamazoo, told the Congresswoman he was willing to give the Democratic Party “a level of leeway after losing the election,” but that he wants Democrats to fight harder. According to Alman, he wants the party to give people long-term hope instead of short-term relief.

Jim Lykins, of Kentwood, asked the Congresswoman whether any Republicans are willing to work with Democrats to object to certain policies.

“One of the most frustrating things in Congress right now is the number of Republicans who will pull me aside and say, ‘I can’t believe this is happening but there’s nothing I can do about it,’” said Scholten.

Several audience members yelled “No!” in response.

“I know it can be uncomfortable, but our duty is not to any political party or institution,” Scholten added. “Our duty is to the Constitution.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery • 2 Photos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

The Hauenstein Center’s Common Ground Initiative convened the panel, and aimed to discuss leadership challenges facing the major political parties, internal calls for reform and governmental squabbles. After the initial panel, there was a Q&A section from the audience, which gave individual attendees a chance to express their personal concerns. 

The panelists included Kevin Portteus, a politics professor and director of American Studies at Hillsdale College, Christina Wolbrecht, a professor at the University of Notre Dame and Donald Zinman, a professor at GVSU. Each panelist was asked a series of questions regarding topics ranging from party representation, takeaways from the 2024 presidential election and the influence of money in elections. The panelists also helped to explain the current state of politics in the United States. Throughout the event, all speakers remarked that American politics are in a state of transition, realignment and polarization on both sides. 

“We have a kind of realignment that I don’t think we’ve really seen since the 1930s,” said Portteus. “(It’s) not just about one party or another coming to power, but a fundamental scrambling of coalitions.” 

Wolbrecht mentioned the two-party system has consistently gone through historical periods of change, much like American society’s seeing right now.

“Parties are amazingly adaptable,” Wolbrecht stated. “Throughout our history, they have remade themselves, remade their functions (and) how they work in response to changing economic, political and social conditions.”

Zinman highlighted challenges the Democratic Party will have to overcome following its loss in the 2024 presidential election and the right-wing political dominance that has transpired. He explained the party has to find new leadership and redefine its appeals to voters.

“It’s normal for a party that has lost an election across the board to go through these growing pains,” Zinman said. “It can be kind of a painful process, but it has to happen if they’re (the Democratic Party) going to be a winning apathy again.” 

Wolbrecht discussed how America’s political shift has put the country into a period of uncertainty, which makes it hard to predict what could happen in future elections. She explained that political scientists explain current trends rather than predict future ones. This confusion and uncertainty can cause voters, especially those of younger generations, to have feelings of anxiety or even anger surrounding politics.

“I think that no matter what the time or place, there are always going be these large forces in the world you can’t control,” Wolbrecht said. “They (political actions) really have a big impact on your life, and (that’s) challenging.”

Her advice for young people navigating this era of uncertainty is to find issues they care about, and become involved in the local community. Wolbrecht mentioned such actions are a way for young voters to “feel like they are making a dent.” 

“The people who have the biggest effect are the ones you show up,” Wolbrecht said. “That’s (engaging in politics) the most effective thing you can do.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery • 25 Photos

GVL / Lee Marentette