Student Senate passes resolution calling for investigation

Grand Valley State University's Student Senate passed a resolution on March 19 calling for a "thorough and adequate explanation" of the events surrounding the shooting of GVSU student Derek Copp.

The vote passed 34 yes, three no and three abstentions.

“As Student Senate, we are the voice of the students, and it is necessary for us to show a stance in representation of the students,” said Student Senate President Autumn Trombka. “As much as we respect the Administration is working hard to address this, we want to make sure students know their voices are being heard.”

The text of the resolution is below:

A resolution to: Insist a thorough and adequate explanation of the events surrounding the shooting of GVSU student Derek Copp.

Whereas , GVSU student Derek Copp was shot and seriously injured by an Ottawa County Police officer at Campus View Apartments on Wednesday March 11, 2009; and,

Considering , police statements indicate that Copp was unarmed at the time of the shooting, and there was no confrontation between Copp and police officers ; and,

Considering , Grand Valley State University has a commitment and responsibility to pursue and expect the safety of its students, including students residing in housing developments adjacent to campus; and,

Asserting , that every GVSU student should have the peace of mind to feel comfortable in their homes, on and around campus, without fear of unjustified violence; therefore let it be,

Resolved , that the Grand Valley State University Student Senate recommends that GVSU administration continue to strongly urge a thorough explanation of the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Derek Copp; and let it further be,

Resolved , that the Grand Valley State University Student Senate recommends that the Michigan State Police Department deliver this explanation to the GVSU community and public at large in a timely manner.