Grand Valley State University students and faculty staged a walkout last Thursday in response to what some claim a lack of sustainability and climate awareness in the University’s latest strategic plan. The walkout at the Cook Carillon Tower was also in response to GVSU’s increasing adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.

The protest was organized by students taking ENS: 380 Critical Hope and Climate Action, who are calling for the University to emphasize sustainability in future planning. While praising sustainability efforts already in place, many walkout attendees believe there is much room for improvement and an increasing need to fund environmental programs. Attendees demanded that environmental awareness become a core component of Reach Higher Together, the University’s strategic framework approved in February. 

ENS 380 students created seven suggestions for how they would like GVSU to improve its sustainability practices:

1. Center environmental sustainability as a core component of GVSU’s University-wide strategic plan
2. Broaden the scope and mission of the Office of Sustainability to the level of a division including appropriate budget and personnel
3. Promote environmental sustainability curriculum and courses across all degrees and programs
4. Expand the suite of environmental sustainability initiatives around campus
5. Divest from unethical and unsustainable industries, companies and corporations
6. Center environmental sustainability as a key consideration in GVSU’s focus on AI
7. Consider the coming impacts of climate change on GVSU’s long-term recruitment strategies

During the walkout, ENS 380 students encouraged those in attendance to sign an online petition encouraging the administration to increase and improve sustainability initiatives at GVSU.

“If we want to see change on campus, there needs to be more done than what is already happening,” said Kappa Alpha Omicron Co-President Aylah Smith. “With this walkout taking place, we can hopefully make a change with our voices.”

During the protest, student speakers voiced concerns about the University’s investments into AI labs and programs. Others raised concerns about an increase in flooding, severe storms, undrinkable water and toxic air, stemming from climate change and broader AI initiatives.

Assistant Professor of Integrative, Environmental and Global Studies Rebecca Williams voiced concerns about climate change and said the University has a responsibility to “safeguard” students.

“Young people are demanding that we do better,” Williams said. “Our administration needs to hear that and act in the best interests of students’ futures instead of for immediate profit or professional gain.”

Assistant Vice President of University Communications Chris Knape responded to concerns in a statement provided to the Lanthorn. 

“Grand Valley supports our students’ right to free expression, and our leaders are listening to organizers’ ideas about how we can continue to improve our sustainability work,” Knape said. “Care for people, place and planet is a core commitment in GVSU’s strategic plan, Reach Higher Together.”

According to walkout organizers, the Office of Sustainability has an annual budget of $11,000 and two employees. Among their concerns, students cited personnel and budget cuts to the Office of Sustainability and the disproportionate effect climate change has on Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals.

“I (was) inspired to take part in the walkout because I believe that protecting the environment, climate change and sustainability are all very important things we should be focusing on,” said student Kaden O’Grady. “I want the University to take (that) seriously and start taking action before it’s too late.”

O’Grady additionally expressed a desire for the University to make sustainability a core component of its strategic plans, divest from fossil fuels and increase funding for the Office of Sustainability. These desires mirrored that of other walkout attendees. Some students feel Reach Higher Together initiatives push sustainability to the margins, utilize greenwashing language and promote the use of AI.

This Friday, ENS 380 students will bring their suggestions, as well as petition signatures, to the Board of Trustees meeting to encourage revising the Reach Higher Together initiative.