At Grand Valley, we empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose, and enrich society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, advancement of equity, and public service.  Higher education, including GVSU, bears a critical responsibility to educate students for active citizenship and respectful engagement with diverse perspectives.

As a public university, GVSU upholds the First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, supporting lawful and non-disruptive public demonstrations without viewpoint-based restrictions. GVSU’s Grounds and Facility Use Policy supports such activity. We prioritize inclusion and equity, fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. 

As Lakers, we have the responsibility to actively engage in our communities and our democracy.  

Through initiatives like the All In Campus Democracy Challenge, GVSU promotes student voter engagement and civic participation. Lakers strive to create a supportive environment where dialogue, mutual understanding, and community strength prevail.

We are in this together – even when we don’t agree. It is our shared responsibility, as members of the Laker community and the human family, to continue to dialogue, ask questions, seek solutions, and look for the best in each other. 

The way that we talk to and treat one another at Grand Valley matters - Lakers treat all people with dignity and respect. 

GVSU is committed to safeguarding individual’s constitutional rights to free speech and assembly and, we are also committed to addressing incidents that may negatively affect individuals and/or communities at the university. If anyone in the Grand Valley community feels belittled, disrespected, or isolated based on their identity, there is a mechanism through Campus Climate Concern to report the incident.

When we show respect for each other, we become a stronger community.

You won't agree with everyone

Because Grand Valley is a public university and protects our right to free speech, the university can’t restrict anyone’s ability to use their voice, regardless of their viewpoint or opinion, unless the speech threatens violence or is in violation of university policy. You may not agree with what is being said or expressed, and you will be faced with people who disagree with you. It’s important to be respectful of different points of view. Sometimes, conversations will be uncomfortable, and we have to do our best to prepare ourselves for those situations and still be respectful.

Often speakers from outside our campus community are purposeful in inciting reactions for financial gain.  Exercise caution when engaging.

With all of this in mind, please consider the resources intended to support students to navigate expressive activities on campus.

What can I do?

Consideration, preparation, accountability, and civic engagement matter. Various avenues exist for effecting change beyond the heat of the moment. Here are some possibilities:

• Become an informed voter: The People's Guide offers common-sense reminders, helpful advice from local and national experts, and tips to help you navigate the current environment.
• Volunteering, philanthropy, advocacy: Make a difference in your community through giving back.
• Collaborative problem solving: Engage in dialogue to find solutions to shared problems through campus committees and public boards.
• Governance: Engage with GVSU Student Senate - participate in General Assembly, run for office, represent the GVSU student body. VOTE!
• Civil Disobedience: Start or sign a petition, participate in a march or a protest.

Use your voice to advocate for the things you care about. Encourage your friends, co-workers, and roommates to speak up for what they believe in and stand up for what they know is right. Listen to those around you, and always be willing to learn new things and understand new perspectives. Respect each other, and make sure to vote.

A protest is just ONE way to make change.

If you are considering a protest as one way to make change, first ask yourself some important questions. 

• What is your goal? Will a protest meet those goals? What potential impacts might this action have? Think broadly about impact - on the issue, your ability to address it, the safety of others on campus and beyond, and your own reputation. 
• Who do we need to talk to first? Are there other ways that we could address this issue in order to solve the problem, instead of protesting?
• What campus leaders might be helpful in meeting your goals? What partners might you invite? Are there relationships that might be built? Or damaged as a result?

You’ve thought through all of the potential consequences. You’ve exhausted other options. You’ve talked to all of the right people. You have read and understand the GVSU Grounds and Facility Use Policy. You’re ready to take full responsibility for consequences for your actions. If you still choose to protest, see tips below to do so safely.

How to Protest Safely:

GVSU is committed to freedom of expression and respects the non-threatening voicing of opinions and ideas. The University encourages all who engage in protest activity to protest safely. Below are some suggestions for doing so:

• Thoroughly read and understand the GVSU Grounds and Facility Use Policy before engaging in expressive activity at GVSU.
• Avoid activity that infringes on the rights of others, such as blocking and preventing the movement or access of others.
• Follow the lawful instructions of a police officer or public official, such as staying behind barricades, dispersing from an area declared an unlawful assembly, not resisting arrest. It is against the law to disobey a lawful order by a police officer.
• Leave any area where others are engaging in illegal activities or acts of violence. Your presence may be interpreted as participating in a riot or illegal group action. 
• Staying overnight in a campus building after hours is prohibited.
• Refrain from speech that incites others to commit acts of violence such as pushing, kicking or spitting on others, or other unlawful actions.
• Make informed decisions. If you choose to engage in civil disobedience and get arrested, know the potential consequences. Contact the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution for more information.
• If you believe your rights have been violated by a police officer or other public official, ask for his/ her/ their name and badge number (if a police officer) and file a complaint after the situation has calmed down or concluded. Formal complaints or charges may be filed with the GVPD. The Student Ombuds office is also available to students for informal complaint resolution. 
• Know your rights: https://www.aclumich.org/en/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-when-you-protest 
• Carry a cell phone, photo ID and a small flashlight in a pocket or purse.
• Wear comfortable shoes with little or no heel. Laces should be double tied to avoid tripping.
• Avoid wearing clothing and accessories that may prove dangerous, such as long jewelry that can become tangled or pulled.
• Try to stay outside of a crowd when walking. Go around, rather than through the crowd. 
• Remember that most demonstrations are peaceful although they can become violent and your appearance can make you a target.  Do not engage groups of people in controversial discussion. 
• If the crowd or anyone in it taunts or insults you, just move on and don’t engage.
• If you anticipate going into a crowd or possibly getting caught up in a crowd, try to bring a “buddy” and don’t go alone.