Grand Valley State University’s Interfraternity Council (IFC) is changing the title of their Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) chair to instead be named the Vice President of Community Development. According to the University’s Office of Student Life staff, the change was not made in relation to anti-DEI initiatives sweeping the country, but was done to further uphold the position’s values and better align with the goals of the GVSU community.

The IFC is a student-led organization that oversees and governs the fraternity community at GVSU. The Vice President of Community Development is a bridge-building role that promotes belonging, both within the IFC and the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) community. There has been speculation that the name change is in relation to current equity and inclusion policies being ushered in nationwide by the Trump administration. However, according to the Associate Director of Student Life Jeremy Paul, that is not the reason for the change.

“Several states have passed laws at the state level that have led to (the) re-framing of diversity, equity and inclusion work, however, the move by the GVSU IFC is not in response to laws in other states,” said Paul.

Dylan Mason, the vice president of Community Development, further emphasized Paul’s point.

“When I was elected as the JEDI chair at the beginning of the Winter 2025 semester, I was honored and excited to be Phi Kappa Tau’s first representative on the IFC Executive Board,” said Mason. “That excitement remains as strong as ever. These changes are designed to better align with the goals and direction of the IFC.”

Mason added that his position has always been about fostering connections in the GVSU community.

“(My role) serves as a bridge between the Interfraternity Community, the broader Fraternity & Sorority Life network and the greater GVSU community to ensure a sense of belonging for all,” stated Mason.

The new title is meant to improve the clarity of the position’s goals and convey expanded responsibilities.

“The title of vice president of Community Development clearly communicates its goals, while also continuing to support the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within the Interfraternity Council,” Paul stated.

Mason described that his role plays a vital part in shaping a positive Greek Life experience at the University by helping members feel supported and connected.

“By further developing this position to align with the structure of other FSL councils, we enhance its (the role’s) long-term effectiveness and impact,” Mason said. “That’s why I am honored to be the one leading this role into its next chapter, embracing its new name and position on the GVSU stage.”

In the future, Paul hopes the changes will provide more direction for the vice president role. He emphasized that he wants more people to feel like they can “find a home” in the University’s FSL community.

 “I’m looking forward to seeing how our fraternities can rise to the occasion of prioritizing belonging and community with the further expansion of the Community Development role,” Paul said.

Paul explained that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion remain a priority of both the IFC and FSL.

“Our Greek Standards and Assessment Program specifically assesses chapter performance in the area of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, along with seven other categories, and will continue to do so during the 2025 calendar year,” Paul stated. 

Although neither Paul nor Mason have heard student feedback regarding the change, they both welcome comments on how IFC can better support students in these areas.