Protest Pro-LGBT Campus Exhibit That Attacks Our Lady of Guadalupe
- February 04, 2025
Update on Feb. 7: TFP is also holding a rosary rally of reparation on campus on Feb. 8 at 1:00 PM. The location is 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, Michigan (on the public sidewalk near Cook Carillon Tower).
Update on Feb. 6: Due to a wave of protest, Grand Valley State University “relocated” its blasphemous mural to another area on campus. Therefore, TFP Student Action continues its campaign to:
- Remove the blasphemous exhibit altogether;
- Demand an apology for the scandal caused;
- Make reparation for the offense against God.
We must call for the COMPLETE REMOVAL of the blasphemous exhibit against the Mother of God. If you want to call the university, please do so with polite firmness.
Dr. Philomena Mantella
President, Grand Valley State University
Call (616) 331-2100
president@gvsu.edu
You can also contact the campus public relations office:
Mr. Chris Knape
Media and Public Relations
Call (616) 331-2953
Email: knapech@gvsu.edu
The GVSU Art Museum is involved in displaying this blasphemy:
Mr. Nathan Kemler, Director of Galleries
Call (616) 331-3638 and (616) 331-8122
Email: artmuseum@gvsu.edu
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Allendale, Michigan, has displayed a blasphemous mural against Our Lady of Guadalupe. The image of the Mother of God, widely revered by Catholics, is covered with pro-LGBT phrases and obscene imagery.
Blasphemy Is Not Higher Learning
The sacrilegious mural titled “Petalos De Cambio” (Petals of Change), created by GVSU student Irlanda Beltran, won an award from the university’s graphic design department. But Catholic students are wondering why Grand Valley State University is rewarding this attack against the Mother of God.
The blasphemous exhibit includes three panels featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe covered with pro-LGBT phrases in Spanish, such as “Trans,” “Sexuality,” “Fa---ot,” “Dyke,” and “Homophobia is lethal.”
Offensive phrases appear on Our Lady’s face, including “My son is homosexual” and “I am proud of him.” Further insulting the Mother of God, one image shows Our Lady’s face crossed out with an “X” and a gun pointed at her.
Since when did blasphemy become part of higher learning?
According to the “Historical Context” provided on GSVU’s art gallery website, Irlanda Beltran, author of the blasphemy, “uses vibrant colors, typography, and vivid imagery to raise awareness around issues such as gender-based violence, mental health, gun control, and homophobia.”
“By using iconic images, like that of Our Lady of Guadalupe,” the website continues, “Beltran pushes back against the systems of power that have traditionally repressed marginalized people in Mexico, while asking the viewer to realize the injustices around them.”
Beltran herself states: “By depicting scenes of love, acceptance, and resilience, the murals strive to create public spaces that celebrate diversity and affirm the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or mental health status.”
Ironically, the attack against the Mother of God was perpetrated in the name of “love” and “acceptance,” with apparent university approval. GVSU purchased the mural from its student author and granted her an award for the sacrilegious piece. In the name of “acceptance,” Our Lord Jesus Christ, His Holy Mother, every Catholic, and every person of goodwill is insulted and offended.
According to CatholicVote, this mural quickly received backlash from students, who called for the highly offensive “art” to be taken down. However, thus far, the university has not budged.
Chris Knape, assistant vice-president of university communications, told CatholicVote, “Our Dean of Students met with students who expressed concerns to listen and understand their point of view.” Downplaying the controversy, he said: “We also shared the artist’s statement about the work as part of the discussion. Following the conversation, we added signage that provided more contextual information about the piece drawn from the artist’s statement about her work.”
“Petalos De Cambio” has also received backlash from GOP lawmakers in Michigan. State representative Jamie Thompson said that she felt “deeply concerned about the ‘art’ that Grand Valley University felt so inclined to purchase and display” and that “Rep. Luke Meerman, [herself], and other leaders will be addressing this insulting attack on Christianity.”
However, Chris Knape still defended the attack against the Mother of God as free speech: “At GVSU, we welcome diverse — sometimes opposing — viewpoints as part of our commitment to the First Amendment.”
Local Catholics and students are now organizing a Rosary rally of reparation and protest against the blasphemy that attacks the Mother of God.
Defend the Purity of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Please urge the university to remove the mural against Our Lady. Mankind must respect, honor, and obey God, our Creator. The sin of blasphemy is a direct act of hatred against Him, which must be vigorously oppose. Blasphemy is neither free speech nor higher learning.
Let Grand Valley State University know of your displeasure.
