GVSU Faces Backlash Over Concealed Weapon Incident

News Summary

Grand Valley State University is under scrutiny following an incident where Ottawa County Commissioner Joe Moss brought a concealed firearm onto campus during a vigil supporting transgender rights. The response from campus police, deemed ‘appropriate’ by officials despite the alarming nature of the situation, has raised concerns about campus safety policies. GVSU has reiterated its commitment to safety but faces questions about the effectiveness of its weapons-free policy amidst rising fears over gun violence in public spaces.

Allendale, Michigan: GVSU Under Fire for Concealed Weapon Incident

In a surprising turn of events, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is facing scrutiny following an alarming situation involving Ottawa County Commissioner Joe Moss. On March 13, 2025, Moss attended a speech by a controversial figure, Chloe Cole, who is known for her anti-trans activism. What’s concerning is that he brought a concealed firearm onto the university’s Allendale campus, a move that has left many students and faculty members shaken.

The Vigil That Sparked Concerns

After the speech, Moss wandered into a peaceful vigil supporting transgender rights. It was during this time that keen-eyed students noticed the firearm tucked away and raised the alarm. Reports indicate that there were at least three attempts made by students to alert GVSU campus police about the violation of the university’s weapon policy. Despite these warnings, university officials deemed the police response time of 16 minutes as “appropriate,” which has sparked outrage and confusion among the campus community.

A Closer Look at GVSU’s Weapon Policy

For context, GVSU has a weapons-free policy in place since 2015, explicitly banning firearms from campus grounds with exceptions only for authorized personnel. But here lies a loophole: Michigan law only prohibits concealed weapons in campus dorms or classrooms, leaving a gray area when it comes to public spaces like walkways and auditoriums. With recent high-profile shooting incidents across the state, concerns regarding campus safety are at an all-time high. Many individuals on campus are starting to wonder whether the existing policies are really effective in ensuring their safety.

Timing Raises Eyebrows

This incident wasn’t the first time Moss made headlines on the GVSU campus in 2025; he was previously spotted with a concealed firearm during another visit in February. Witnesses in the most recent incident documented Moss’s firearm with timestamped photos, illustrating their unease. Some students even reported feeling threatened while the commissioner mingled with them for about half an hour before an administrator eventually asked him to leave. The sluggish response has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of GVSU’s safety measures.

A Discussion on Safety Protocols

GVSU’s Interim Chief of Police, Leah Heaton, mentioned that the response time to reports of the firearm was evaluated based on the situation, indicating it wasn’t classified as an emergency. This assessment leads many to wonder what constitutes an emergency on a university campus. Concerns were further fueled when a police report was filed only after Moss was seen departing the clock tower area, leading many to speculate whether proper protocol was followed in how such incidents are managed.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The Allendale community is understandably alarmed. Students and faculty members are now left questioning the clarity and effectiveness of the weapons policy. Moss, when approached by reporters, claimed he was unaware of any incident involving a firearm. This statement has drawn skepticism, especially considering the vocal outcry from the community and the media surrounding the event.

GVSU’s Commitment to Safety

In the face of these challenges, GVSU has reiterated that campus safety remains a top priority. They have committed to ensuring compliance with their weapons policy and are likely reassessing their approach to such sensitive issues moving forward. As the university navigates this scrutiny, students, faculty, and community members alike will remain vigilant, hoping for stronger measures to protect everyone on campus.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Safety Concerns Emerge After Firearm Incident at GVSU
Concealed Firearm Raises Safety Concerns at GVSU

Additional Resources

• Lanthorn: Ottawa Commissioner Concealed Firearm at GVSU
• WZZM13: GVSU Student Journalists Speak After Commissioner Brings Firearm
• WKFR: University Gun Violation in Michigan
• Grand Haven Tribune: GR Man Taken Into Custody on Weapons Charges Near GVSU
• Michigan Advance: Jennifer Garner Tells Young Voters at GVSU
• Wikipedia: School Safety
• Google Search: Michigan Gun Policies
• Google Scholar: Gun Policy in Universities
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
• Google News: GVSU Firearm Incident