Read the Letter
On March 28, 2025, I sent a letter to Dr. Philomena V. Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University.
In the letter, I requested that Grand Valley State University make immediate changes to programs and policies to protect the safety and civil rights of individuals who visit their campuses, and to comply with Executive Order 14151 of January 20, 2025, and Executive Order 14201 of February 5, 2025.
1. Request to Abolish DEI
On March 27, 2025, University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono released a detailed letter explaining how the University was shutting down their DEI bureaucracy.
Grand Valley State University has not taken this step. My letter asked President Mantella to take all necessary steps to shut down GVSU’s DEI bureaucracy, including the Division of People, Equity, and Culture and the Inclusion and Equity Institute, in alignment with many of GVSU’s peers at public and private institutions.
I also requested GVSU discontinue segregated graduation celebrations, any use of diversity statements in hiring, DEI in strategic planning, and staff positions historically used to promote DEI. As a final recommendation, I suggested issuing a public statement regarding GVSU’s commitment to colorblind equality and full compliance with federal law and guidance.
2. Request to Protect Women’s Sports
I also requested GVSU take all necessary steps to uphold Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which requires institutions receiving Federal funds to ensure equal opportunity for women to participate in sports. Institutions must recognize biological reality and the differences between men and women to comply with federal law and guidance.
3. Request to Update Public Safety Policy
Additionally, I requested GVSU take all necessary steps to update the Weapons Policy of October 4, 2023, to protect public safety and add public safety exemptions to the entirety of SLT 6.27 for peace officers and individuals licensed to carry concealed weapons.
The University’s policy is overly broad, including to the point that it restricts members of law enforcement from using firearms while in the course of their public duties on campus property. This policy conflicts with the long-standing ability of people, such as Ottawa County Sheriff’s deputies, to use firearms for their own protection and the protection of those around them in accordance with Michigan law.
I care deeply about the students and faculty of GVSU and encourage GVSU leadership to create a politically neutral campus where students who love America can flourish and where freedom rings.