I read the article that was ran in the Lanthorn about GV admissions. I would like to comment on the statement about how Grand Valley is making progress on making the campus more diverse, because as a ethnic student, a black ethnic student, I see and feel otherwise.

I believe in there being a difference in “doing” and “trying.” I think “trying” is a word that signifies a thought process being held about a situation, and no immediate action being taken, and “doing” denotes an action and an outcome: success or failure. In 2009, Grand Valley had roughly 5.3 percent African American students, as compared to now with only 6.4 percent. Sure, we could applaud the one percent increase, but again, in a course of three years, only one percent has changed. There was no trying in doing that. Admissions found a way to make that increase happen, so they executed. Good job.

My problem: My staff, peers, faculty members all hold the key in making that change “GRANDs” There are thousands of stimulated and well rounded minds out here that I find it disgusting that I read about my superiors “trying” when the resources and great minds to do this task are at their fingertips. When will Grand Valley admissions really take the responsibility for the campus’ demographic?

Sure, each incoming student needs to meet basic requirements to come into this competitive school; but out of those qualified students that do apply, they choose who they accept. Last year, the article reported that they accepted 70 percent of those applicants that applied… Dare we do the math to see how many of those were of black descent?

Furthermore, of those students accepted, how many of those were black athletes? How many are aspiring lawyers or doctors? Painters? Or undecided? I remember in 2009 being the only black freshman in the music department, so really, what diversity is there? Does Grand Valley know that by admitting so many black athletes that it is sending a subliminal message to black communities that the only way to get into a good college is to play college ball?

My point: Own up to the mess you made, admissions. If you want to see change at a GRAND scale, don’t talk about it, be about it.

TE’ASIA MARTIN

GVSU STUDENT