Capitol News

State Representative Luke Meerman has voiced his support for students at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) who opposed an art piece that has stirred controversy. The artwork, titled "Pétalos De Cambio" (Petals of Change), features the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe alongside explicit phrases in Spanish and a revolver pointed at the depiction. GVSU acquired this display for $1,800.

Rep. Meerman stated, “I became aware of this art piece after being approached by the group of student leaders opposing the installation. I applaud the leadership of these students and am disheartened that they needed to engage a state legislator in the first place. For months, these students engaged with university officials, decrying the attack on their faith this installation represents.”

He further expressed concern over how the university handled student complaints: “These students had exhausted all avenues before seeking support, but the university made every effort to dismiss their concerns and brush this under the rug. Even now, the university removed the display but announced it is being relocated. The piece needs to come down, period, and I will be watching to see how the university proceeds. Relocating the piece does not fix the university’s offensive decisions.”

Following media coverage highlighting student advocacy against "Pétalos De Cambio," GVSU decided to remove and relocate it rather than eliminate it entirely from campus grounds. Rep. Meerman continues to monitor developments closely and urges GVSU administrators to consider removing it permanently.