Grand Valley State University’s mission statement demonstrates a university-wide commitment to inclusion and respect for diversity, but at the beginning of the month the Student Senate took another step toward making GVSU a leading institution through its support of and respect for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities by passing its first-ever LGBT Resolution.

The Student Senate had worked on the resolution for months in response to the recent rash of LGBT teen suicides and the current climate around the nation, said J.J. Manser, vice president of the Senate Diversity Affairs Committee.

“The purpose of the resolution is to reaffirm the mission statement of Grand Valley – that it is a place accepting of all people, of all genders and all sexual orientations,” Manser said. “We want to ensure that this is a good place for everyone to learn and to live. It says that Grand Valley is a very accepting and open university and that the GVSU community is one that allows for all different points of view and all different lifestyles.”

According to a Student Senate press release, the resolution is also intended to support the diverse and ever-changing needs of the LGBT communities and to provide the foundation for bridging the communication gap between the LGBT communities and Student Senate.

Colette Seguin Beighley, director of the LGBT Resource Center, said she and others from the center worked with the Student Senate on the resolution.

“This resolution is consistent with our Grand Valley values of inclusiveness and community, and we are thrilled to have this kind of ongoing support from our student leaders,” Seguin Beighley said.

The recent resolution is not the only support the Student Senate has shown toward the LGBT community at GVSU, Seguin Beighley said. A large number of Senate members have participated in the Allies & Advocates training offered by the university. The LGBT Resource Center also plans to work together with Senate to launch a campus-wide ally training program.

Manser said a framed copy of the resolution will be displayed in the LGBT Resource Center. An online copy of the resolution is also available on the Student Senate website at www.gvsu.edu/studentsenate.

The general reaction to the resolution has been positive, Manser added. Among those happy with the resolution are members of the GVSU administration.

“I’m pleased that our Student Senate embraces Grand Valley’s commitment of having an inclusive community,” said Jeanne Arnold, the vice president for Inclusion and Equity. “It’s important to have our student leaders speaking about the importance of a rich, diverse learning and living environment that appreciates the dignity of all individuals and communities. It’s equally important that this resolution takes a strong stand against any forms of bullying or intolerance against any person or group.

“President Haas and I want all voices heard, and it’s critical to have a consistent message from all university leaders and groups that Grand Valley strives to provide an atmosphere of respect, support and civil discourse.”

The presidents of Out ‘N’ About and SAFE, two of the LGBT student organizations on campus, were not available for comment, but Johnnie Thompson, the president of Transpectrum, said he is excited about the passing of this resolution.

Thompson said the resolution was a surprise to the members of Transpectrum, a student organization for transgendered students and allies.

“There was the feeling within the group that this is a really great step,” said Thompson, a junior. “We didn’t expect it, but it was a great step that the students representing us on campus are in full support of the LGBT community. I think one of the really important things that it does is it looks directly at GVSU’s policies for its reasoning and its support.”

This resolution is a success for the LGBT community, Thompson added.

“Any form of support, of official endorsement, from such a prominent student body is success for us,” Thompson said. “It gives us momentum and it gives us affirmation. These things that the university is doing are really good for the community – and not just for the LGBT community, but for the entire campus. …The world is changing, our country is changing and it’s changing for a better. They’re a part of that because they’re recognizing these changes and showing support. It shows a certain amount of bravery.”

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