Division News & Statements
Vice President Bernal and Dean Merkle: Recent Bias Incidents Contradictory to GVSU Values
April 13, 2016
Dear GVSU Community,
Grand Valley State University strives to create an inclusive and equitable campus community where people are treated with dignity and respect. When bias incidents happen on our campus, leaving members of our community feeling belittled, disrespected, or isolated based on their identity, we are committed to addressing them.
Recently, several reports of bias incidents involving the Nazi symbol, anti-Jewish rhetoric and other hateful statements, have been found in some of our on-campus housing units and in an academic building. Additionally, when these acts involve the defacing or destroying of University property, they are also considered criminal in nature. Anti-Semitism and bigotry are antithetical to an inclusive educational environment and the university’s vision, mission, and values. These are not the only incidents reported this semester. Thirty-five bias incidents have been reported and they include race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and national origin. As Lakers, we embrace diversity and expect that students, faculty and staff treat one another with mutual respect and civility, and contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone.
As a University, we continue to actively address these incidents and ask that each member of the GVSU community speak up against intolerance and bigotry. With all of your engagement, we will use these reports and data from the recent campus climate survey to continue to foster a healthy and diverse environment where we act with integrity, communicate respectfully, and accept responsibility for our words and actions.
Please report bias if you see or experience it. If you are a witnessed to a crime, victim of a crime, or have information about the incidents described in this email, please report it to the appropriate department.
Bias incidents may be reported:
- Online, anonymously if you choose, at https://www.gvsu.edu/bias/
- By phone at (616) 331-3585 (Dean of Students Office)
- In person at the Dean of Students Office (202 STU) or the Division of Inclusion and Equity (4035 JHZ)
Suspicious incidents or a crime may be reported to:
- Grand Valley Police Department: (616) 331-3255 for any non-emergency
- Grand Valley Police Department: 911 in an emergency
As the semester nears an end, we hope everyone will strive to continue to support each other as valued and respected members of the GVSU community.
Respectfully,
Jesse M. Bernal, Vice President for Inclusion and Equity
H. Bart Merkle, Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students