PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Urge Grand Rapids Community College Board Member to Apologize for Homophobic Comments
  1. Signatures
    155 out of 200
    Petitioning
    1. Board Member, GRCC (Richard Ryskamp)
  2. Created By
    Michael Jones
    Boston, MA
About this Petition Petition Letter

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) board member Richard Ryskamp went on a tear about GRCC's budget this past month. But instead of looking at areas where the GRCC board might chop fat from the school's budget, Ryskamp wants to financially punish departments that work on gay-related things.

Ryskamp, for instance, called into question a theater partnership that GRCC has with a local theater company, all because one of the plays that was performed years ago dealt with the question of homosexuality and religion. Moreover, Ryskamp attacked a Diversity Lecture Series for not welcoming opposing viewpoints, and wants to see their budget trimmed, too.

In commenting on these two things, Ryskamp accused GRCC of being involved in "evil things."

But a board member's job isn't to legislate his religious values on the rest of the school. Instead, it's to responsibly serve the school, and make sure the school is being fiscally responsible and a resource for students, staff and community members alike.

In this regard, Ryskamp failed. Send him a message urging him to apologize for his anti-gay and homophobic comments.

Recent Signatures

Please apologize for homophobic comments

Dear Dr. Ryskamp

As a board member of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), you recently accused the school of being involved in "evil things," because the school runs a Diversity Lecture Series and has in the past (eight years ago, to be specific) partnered on a theater production that dealt with the subject of homosexuality and religion.

You've now gone on record threatening the budget for any GRCC department that deals with issues that you consider "evil," including homosexuality and diversity. This is irresponsible rhetoric, coming from a board member who's job is to make sure that GRCC is a productive and vibrant entity in the larger Grand Rapids community.

I ask that you apologize for labeling these things as evil, and instead work with the rest of your board members to provide for the financial well-being of GRCC by going through the budget process as a responsible adult, rather than someone only interested in wedge social issues.

[Your name]

Press Inquiries