Sigma Phi Epsilon receives five-year ban 

Grand Valley State University’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity received a five-year ban from the university for alcohol- and hazing-related infractions. 

The fraternity had an appeal held, but the ban was made effective Friday, Nov. 10. Stephen Glass, acting vice provost for student affairs and dean of students at GVSU, told MLive.com that student code violations found after a five-week investigation were severe enough for dismissal.

Middle East Studies to host lecture on genocide and sexual slavery

Grand Valley State University’s Middle East Studies department will host a discussion titled “Justice and Healing for Victims of Genocide and Sexual Slavery: The Case of the Yazidis” on Monday, Nov. 20, at 5 p.m. in the DeVos Center’s Loosemore Auditorium. 

The event, co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Human Rights, Liberal Studies Department, and Global Studies and Social Impact, will feature speakers Nadia Murad Basee Taha and Haider Elias. The event will include discussions on the ISIS-led genocide of the Yazidi people. 

The event is LIB 100- and 201-approved. Those interested in learning more can visit www.gvsu.edu/events/justice-and-healing-for-victims-of-genocide-and/.

Economic development panel discussion to take place

The International City/County Management Association’s Graduate Student Chapter will host an economic development panel discussion Monday, Nov. 20, at 6:15 p.m. in the DeVos Center, Room 138E. 

Panelists will include economic development professionals who engage in the subject on different levels. The event is open to all, and light refreshments will be provided. 

Those interested in learning more can visit www.gvsu.edu/events/icma-panel-discussion/.

Jeff Smith to speak on human rights

Grand Valley State University will host a discussion titled “The Decline of Democracy and Human Rights: Africa in Context and How to Respond” on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 11:30 a.m. in the Glenn A. Niemeyer Learning and Living Center Multipurpose Room. 

Jeff Smith, the executive director of Vanguard Africa, will lead the discussion. Smith has over a decade of experience with human rights advocacy and has appeared on outlets such as CNN, MSNBC and NPR as an authority on the subject. 

Those interested in learning more about the event can visit www.gvsu.edu/events/human-rightsthe-decline-of-democracy-and-human-rights/.

Dr. Daniel Yebo to speak at GVSU

Grand Valley State University will host Dr. Daniel Yebo, medical officer at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, Ghana, on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. in the Glenn A. Niemeyer Learning and Living Center Multipurpose Room. 

Yebo is a site supervisor for GVSU’s study-abroad program. He will be speaking about his life experiences as well as his medicinal practices. Those interested in learning more can visit www.gvsu.edu/events/dr-daniel-yebo-medicine-in-ghana/.