State Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) issued the following statement after Grand Valley State University confirmed that it will relocate a controversial art piece depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe, a depiction of the Virgin Mary and a powerful symbol of faith. Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale Charter Township, a community in the district Rep. Meerman represents.

The art piece, titled Pétalos De Cambio (Petals of Change) sparked controversy for its depiction of Our Lady of Guadalupe overlayed with explicit phrases in Spanish and even a revolver pointing toward the depiction of the Virgin Mary. The display consists of three panels and three renditions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. GVSU purchased this display for $1,800.

“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.”

“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 know, 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.”

After local media began to cover students’ advocacy, the university removed the controversial painting and announced plans to relocate. Meerman is continuing to look into the university’s decision, and he is urging administrators to remove the piece permanently.