As Marshall and Dorian began their speech at Transitions (two weeks ago) it was made clear that they were at GVSU to speak on sex education. They began listing the choices people make when it comes to sexual activity. All the various choices were given ample time for discussion and promotion — that is, all of them but abstinence.

When Marshall and Dorian spoke on the topic of abstinence they explained that though it was an option, only a small percentage of students choose to abstain. They went on to display abstinence as a laughing-matter, encouraging the audience to disrespect such a choice, even to the extent of showing pictures on their PowerPoint presentation featuring “underwear for the abstinent.”

As I sat in my seat listening to the guest speakers that had been chosen to welcome the new students of Grand Valley State University, I was extremely embarrassed. For, as a resident assistant, I had not only invited my residents to the program, but had strongly encouraged their attendance. Afterward, I was approached by a handful of fellow students, including freshman residents, who shared my disgust and embarrassment.

The Dean of Students Office states on their website, “Anytime you or anyone in the Grand Valley community feels belittled, disrespected, threatened, or unsafe because of who you are, the entire university community is diminished.” If this is the case, then why would Grand Valley State University invite Marshall and Dorian to speak this way to students? Regardless of whether or not those who choose to abstain are a “small percentage” we still demand as much respect, support, and dignity as anyone else. At a University where we boast of a diverse and welcoming community, such speakers should have no place within the welcome-week activities.

I know without a doubt that if Marshall and Dorian had stood on the stage in front of the brand new student of Grand Valley and told jokes or showed images blatantly mocking a specific religious belief, race, or topics surrounding LGBT individuals, they would have been called off immediately, and action would have been taken to discourage their presentation at next year’s Transitions Program.

It is bad enough that Grand Valley State University would sponsor such disrespectful behavior even once. But what is worse, this past week was the fifth time Marshall and Dorian have been invited by GVSU to speak to its freshman students. It is ridiculous, upsetting, and embarrassing that the Office of Student Life has not taken action to find a new speaker.

I fully expect the Office of Student Life and the University as a whole to look carefully at what its mission and values are and to critically choose speakers who accurately represent Grand Valley State University by upholding the dignity and respect of all of its members.

Ellen Rhein

GVSU Student