Asian Student Union hosts discussion on reappropriation

Simon Tam, founder of the Asian American rock band The Slants, attempted to reappropriate an ethnically-charged schoolyard insult with the name of his music group. When he tried to trademark it, however, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Organization rejected his application, ruling the name a racial slur and thus in violation of the Lanham Act, a decades-old law that blocks the trademarking of “scandalous, immoral or disparaging” terms.

Tam eventually won his case, which made it all the way to the Supreme Court, setting a legal precedent for minorities to reclaim their identities through reappropriation.

From 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, Tam will be joining Insoo Choi, President of GVSU’s Asian Student Union, for a virtual conversation about his experience in court. Those interested in this event can register on the Office of Multicultural Affairs website, at www.gvsu.edu/oma.

Student Senate builds bridges with on-campus events

Interested in familiarizing yourself with Grand Valley State University’s student government in a more casual environment than the general assembly? This week, there’s two opportunities available to do just that; one through an arts and crafts event Wednesday, Feb. 24, and one through a bingo game night Thursday, Feb. 25.

The first event, during which students will be able paint the pot of a miniature succulent, will last from 6-8 p.m. in the Grand River Room of the Kirkhof Center. The bingo event the next day will also be in the Kirkhof Center, from 7-8 p.m. in room 2263. Students interested can RSVP for both on the Student Senate’s LakerLink page at gvsu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/studentsenate.

Hauenstein Center discusses promoting equity through local change

As a part of their campaign to develop leadership skills amongst the Grand Valley State University community, the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy at GVSU’s Hauenstein Center of Presidential Studies is inviting Grand Rapids native Kelsey Perdue to give a talk on her experiences this week.

Perdue has dedicated her career to promoting equity through local policy change, and his currently the project director of Kids Count in Michigan, an organization that promotes support of families in regards to health, education, financial security, racial equity, and most lately, protection from the fallout of COVID-19.

The virtual lecture is INT 100/201 approved, and will last from 4-5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26. Those interested can register for the event ahead of time on the Hauenstein Center’s website at gvsu.edu/hc.