Request for Retraction
On August 24, 2025, I met Lee Marentette, News Editor of the Lanthorn, at Grand Valley State University Campus Life Night. The Lanthorn is the student-run newspaper at GVSU.
During our conversation, Lee asked me if I had seen an article he wrote in March. I told him, yes, I had seen it.
Unsurprisingly, the Lanthorn’s article on September 1, 2025, categorically stated I “denied having any knowledge” of their article. This is demonstrably false, as you will see in the video below.
I am publicly requesting the Lanthorn issue a retraction and stop false reporting.
As the editor of the Lanthorn, it is Mr. Marentette’s responsibility to uphold journalistic integrity. The Lanthorn is known to produce biased, progressive content filled with left-wing narratives, rather than being representative of the wide range of views of GVSU students. The Lanthorn should focus on the news, not Democrat talking points—or designate itself as an opinion outlet. I’ll include a few examples below.
Screenshot from the Lanthorn
Screenshot from the Lanthorn
Lanthorn Misses the Mark
The March 2025 article that Mr. Marentette asked me about in the video was itself a disgrace to media coverage.
Instead of covering the important message delivered by Chloe Cole at the Turning Point USA event, local Democrats and aligned media went on the attack to create a dramatic story for their readers.
It’s time to set the record straight on that as well.
In March, 20-year-old detransitioner, Chloe Cole, spoke to a packed room of students, faculty, and community members. She shared her personal story of childhood sexual trauma, and the child abuse she then experienced committed by the medical community that encouraged her gender transition.
Chloe reminded us of the evils of child mutilation and gender transition, and that children do best when their bodies are allowed to grow into what they were created to be. She shared that she found what she was missing in Christ, and desires to be an advocate for children.
During the event there was a heavy police presence, including security in the room. I was admitted by campus police to enter the event early. The event was peaceful, and all laws were followed at all times.
Afterwards, I enjoyed speaking with students outside, and spent a considerable amount of time talking with people protesting the event. I love talking with people of all beliefs, and this was a great opportunity.
I am very thankful for Chloe’s message of compassion, empathy, and truth.
“We can have empathy for people, while standing firmly for the truth. Everyone, including those who oppose us, deserves a world in which children and people are not being mutilated, lied to, or exploited.”
—Chloe Cole
When GVSU’s newspaper continuously attacks conservative leaders—from the President to the local level, it is sending a message to its conservative students that their opinions and beliefs don’t matter.
I continue to encourage GVSU to create an environment where the voices of all students are expressed and heard, including in the university newspaper.
Campus Life Night 2025
Below are photos from Grand Valley State University Campus Life Night on Sunday, Aug 24, 2025! Students loved that BOLD conservatives showed up on campus, and asked us to keep coming back. I love talking with people of all backgrounds and beliefs, and this was a great opportunity. There were 400+ tables at this event. We were the only Republican group for 5000+ students. The conversations we had were great! We handed out flags, MAGA hats, stickers, and more. We are encouraging students to use their voices and stand up for Truth!
