This message is being shared on behalf of the BIPOC student task force.

Dear Grand Valley community,

In April 2024, a group of BIPOC students came together to voice concerns regarding issues impacting students of color at Grand Valley. We had the opportunity to share our experiences and insights with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) during a town hall, and as a result, we collectively launched several task forces dedicated to addressing these challenges.

Over the summer, students, faculty, staff, and SLT worked collaboratively to identify solutions and develop recommendations to improve the experience for students of color. The task forces and their goals are available online.

We are excited to share that we are currently in the process of implementing these recommendations across campus. Our goal is to continue creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for BIPOC students and to ensure lasting change on campus.

To streamline work and improve accountability, we're evolving existing teams and shifting responsibility to our Black Student Union (BSU) and Division of People, Equity, and Culture (PEC). This collaborative approach empowers BSU and PEC to work with faculty, staff, and students to ensure a more accountable university community with greater transparency and clearer communication.

As we move forward with these efforts, we welcome you to engage with us. You can share questions, ideas, or feedback through this BIPOC Task Force feedback form. We deeply appreciate the contributions of our student colleagues, faculty, staff, SLT, and mentors alike who have supported this work and continue to do so. Together, we can ensure that progress is sustained for future generations of students.

What do we want to continue?
We are committed to amplifying student voices and maintaining representation for years to come, ensuring that BIPOC students have a platform in various spaces across campus. 

How will we continue the work of the task forces?
We will continue to table, attend organizational meetings, speak at events, and advocate for current and future recommendations. Our mission will remain at the forefront of our work in the semesters ahead.

Where will the recommendation work live?
The responsibility for overseeing and holding accountable the implementation of recommendations will rest with GVSU’s Black Student Union and the Division of People, Equity, and Culture.

Who will be managing the recommendations?
Each recommendation will be managed by the task force and/or parties most relevant to its implementation, ensuring the work is done thoughtfully and effectively.

We are grateful for your ongoing partnership and are hopeful for what lies ahead. Thank you for your support as we continue striving for positive change for students at GVSU.

Sincerely,

Amaris Beal, Abdul Ciise, Antonio Green, Breezy Rusher, Kaiya Smith
Student Task Force Leads

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer