ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Dozens at Grand Valley State University are raising concerns about challenges that Black students are facing, including declining retention.

Antonio Green is the president of the Iota Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. at GVSU. Since arriving on campus in 2021, he says far too often he’s seen young people who look like himself not make it to graduation.

“Some of my friends, some people that I know, some colleagues, some people that I literally came up to or came up with are dropping out,” Green said.

Monday afternoon, Green was among dozens of students and campus organizations that marched in Allendale to raise awareness about issues including retention rates among Black students.

“We are one of the students and our education matters,” said Michael King, VP of Iota Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

According to data from Grand Valley State University’s website, the fall-to-fall retention rate for new undergraduate African American full-time students in 2022 was 54.1%, the lowest of any ethnicity.

It’s a decline from nearly 70% retained in 2020 and 73% in 2021.

“You hear these stories about how people aren’t continuing their way in school because they don’t feel like they are supported enough and it’s just very sad,” Green said.

To keep Black students at the university through graduation, Green said resources are needed. A big emphasis he says is more representation within GVSU’s staff.

“People that we see that look like us. If we don’t have that, then how do we know it’s possible?” Green said.

As students demonstrated through campus, they say they want to see action.

“I have been seeing a lot of conversation and my mouth is starting to hurt. So, we need to make sure that we have these equitable action task forces and task items,” King said.

Grand Valley State University responded to the march in a statement that reads:

“We support students exercising their right to free speech and active engagement. We look forward to partnering with a common goal of assuring each learner realizes the highest level of success and satisfaction in their pursuits.”