One of my greatest joys as a county commissioner has been spending time with students at GVSU. Perhaps more than any other demographic, America’s college students have experienced the real life effects of progressive policies and ideological indoctrination, including DEI.
Chloe Cole speaks at Turning Point student event at GVSU.
In the 2024 presidential election, NPR reported in Michigan, “Latinos swung more than 30 points toward Trump, while voters under 30 moved more than 20 points in his direction, leading Trump to win both groups.” (SOURCE: NPR, “In this election, demographics did not determine how people voted,” January 9, 2025.)
This context offers GVSU an opportunity to assess whether its DEI initiatives and progressive stance might be at odds with the perspectives of a significant portion of its student body, prospective students, and staff. Given that DEI was a key issue in President Trump’s campaign— and the people of Ottawa County, our state, and our nation voted to elect President Trump—it is important for GVSU to consider how its policies align with the political and social landscape reflected in the recent election, and affect students and staff.
Since taking office, President Trump has signed numerous executive orders, fulfilling his promises to take action on behalf of the American people, including the following:
- Executive Order 14151, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” issued on January 20, 2025
- Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” issued on January 21, 2025
- Executive Order 14201, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” issued on February 5, 2025.
Recently, the University of Michigan announced they are abolishing DEI.
Read Letter to GVSU President on DEI Executive Orders.
Today, I sent a letter to Dr. Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University, sharing the concerns I have heard from students, and urging GVSU to follow President Trump’s executive orders.
I care deeply about the students and faculty of GVSU, and I encourage GVSU to cultivate a politically neutral campus—one where freedom truly rings and all students who love America can flourish. 