Hundreds attend candlelight vigil

More than 300 people attended a candlelight vigil October 12 to remember the seven LGBT youth across the country who recently committed suicide.

The vigil was held near the Cook Carillon Tower on the Allendale Campus.

Bart Merkle, dean of students, reminded the audience that Grand Valley has numerous networks and support systems in place. "You have allies, friends and supporters who are standing beside you," Merkle said. "All students, faculty and staff need to feel safe to express themselves. Together, we can be a caring, civil and respectful community."

The vigil was sponsored by the LGBT Resource Center, Team Against Bias, Out ’N About, SAFE, Transpectrum, Women’s Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Division of Inclusion and Equity.