Commissioners visited both the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids
campuses. Grand Valley was one of only five campuses to be visited by
commissioners on their fall college tour.
This commission serves to give Michigan citizens authority to redraw
district boundaries every 10 years. Voters amended the state's
Constitution by passing the “Voters Not Politicians” proposal in
November 2018.
“We are honored to host the MICRC here at GVSU,” said Melissa
Baker-Boosamra, associate director of Student Life. “It’s a great
opportunity for our campus community to be involved in making
decisions that will impact all of us.”
Commissions visited the class of Wendy Reffeor, professor of
mechanical engineering. Reffeor said students got the opportunity to
learn the roles citizens can play in the redistricting process.
“Civic engagement is a part of professionalism,” said Reffeor.
“Students learned of an opportunity for them to engage in government
as well as the importance of doing so.”
The commission is composed of 13 registered voters who were randomly
selected through an application process. Of the 13 commissioners, four
are affiliated with the Democratic Party, four with the Republican
Party, and five are not affiliated with either major party.
The achievements of Kyra Harris Bolden should be celebrated and serve as a reminder of the steps needed for women and women of color to continue to make progress.