Division News & Statements
Pres. Haas & VP Bernal: Post-Election Response
November 15, 2016
Dear Grand Valley Community,
The results of last week’s election have given all of us an opportunity to discuss and ponder the future of our country and reflect on our values. Because the Grand Valley community is made up of students, faculty and staff members who hold many political beliefs, we know that there has been no universal response to this presidential election. However, we also know the results of the election have been cause for considerable anxiety and uncertainty among some in our community.
Grand Valley is proud to be a diverse institution where people of all backgrounds, beliefs and identities come together to live, learn and work. We are committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment where all members of the community can be their authentic selves, proudly and safely. We remain steadfast in our adherence to these values as they are essential to our mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies.
Communities across the country have seen an increase in acts of harassment and intimidation on the basis of race and ethnicity, national origin and citizenship, religion, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation since November 8. Grand Valley is not immune to this trend. There have been reports of the distribution of intimidating, hateful literature on our Allendale Campus over the past week, in addition to several other reports of identity-based bias. We want to make it clear that such actions are inconsistent with our values as a community.
The presence of diverse opinions and beliefs is one of our strengths and the university remains committed to protecting rights to free speech and expression on our campus. We have no intention of suppressing political speech or ideologies, however, we expect ideas to be expressed in a way that is civil and does not marginalize or threaten others.
As a university, we strive to support all of our students, faculty and staff members, and community members. The following resources may be useful:
- The University Counseling Center is available to students for a drop-in appointment or by phone. The Counseling Center is located in the Student Services Building, room 204, *616-331-3266; and also on the Pew Campus, room 101B DeVos. See*www.gvsu.edu/counsel/ for hours and more information.
- The Division of Inclusion and Equity Social Justice Centers (Office of Multicultural Affairs, Women’s Center, Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, Disability Support Resources and Campus Interfaith Resources) and Title IX and Affirmative Action/EEO Offices are also available to provide support for students and employees. For questions and contact information, visit*https://www.gvsu.edu/inclusion/division-offices-53.htm. You may also send an email to [email protected] or call (616) 331-3296.
- Incidents of bias or harassment can be reported, anonymously if you choose, at *www.gvsu.edu/bias/.
- Students may also contact the Student Ombuds, Takeelia Garrett, at [email protected] or (616) 331-2491. More information is available online at *https://www.gvsu.edu/dos/student-ombuds-12.htm.
- Faculty and staff who need support and resources are encouraged to use the GVSU employee assistance program, Encompass, or by calling 800-788-8630.
- If you or anyone you know is experiencing an emergency or in need of immediate attention, please call 9-1-1.
We are proud of our commitment to open dialogue, equity and inclusion. Underpinning this commitment are our core values of respect and civil discourse. We ask students, faculty and staff member to join us in advancing this commitment and promoting these values so that everyone on our campus knows that they are welcome and valued.
Very respectfully,
Thomas J. Haas, President
Jesse M. Bernal, Vice President for
Inclusion and Equity