Grand Valley State University is denying allegations that it favors non-white students in its Honors College admissions and scholarship decisions. Internal emails suggest administrators prioritized applicants of color, potentially violating federal law and Michigan’s constitutional ban on affirmative action.
An April 2022 email from Honors College Director Roger Gilles reportedly stated, “We accept virtually all students of color,” and that Honors-specific scholarships were mostly awarded to these applicants. These comments appear to contradict a 2023 statement from GVSU President Philomena Mantella, who said the university “does not consider race or gender in admissions decisions.”
Legal watchdogs say the admissions practices may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Michigan’s Proposition 2. Erin Wilcox of the Pacific Legal Foundation urged GVSU to stop any illegal practices, stating applicants should be judged by merit, not race.
The controversy comes as the Department of Education investigates 11 race-based scholarships at GVSU. The complaint, filed by the Equal Protection Project, argues the scholarships are discriminatory under federal law. The Office for Civil Rights confirmed it is reviewing the matter.
GVSU acknowledged the investigation but offered no specific rebuttal. A university spokesperson said the legal team is reviewing the claims and pledged to maintain compliance with the law while upholding institutional values.
Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt warned that rebranding DEI programs to evade legal scrutiny “won’t be tolerated,” stressing the need for full elimination of discriminatory policies.
