Outrage from the public, students, and lawmakers forced Grand Valley State University to relocate an anti-religion “art” display in the student union, but officials are keeping the new location a secret.

GVSU officials told WZZM Petalos De Cambio, the large photo collage purchased and displayed by the public university, will be relocated, but refused to divulge where.

“The GVSU Art Museum will be relocating the piece to a space where it can be presented with greater context, allowing for deeper discussion and understanding while enhancing safety and respecting all voices that mind find themselves in that space,” the university wrote in a statement.

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Noah Mullins, a GVSU student leading opposition to the display, argues it offends a large segment of the student population that believes in God, and argued some view the “art” as a “call to violence.”

“We have concern from Christian, Muslim and Jewish students all at Grand Valley State University of this installation,” he said. “One of the depictions of Mary has an X through her face and a gun pointed at her, which we believe is a call to violence against Mary and those who hold her in high regard for their faith.”

The “art” involves three 96-inch by 40-inch photo collage panels that were prominently displayed in GVSU’s student lounge at the Russell H. Kirkhof Center, home of the student union and one of the most heavily traveled buildings on the Allendale campus.

All three panels depict a hooded figure, including one with a halo and another with its face crossed out in red. A description on the GVSU website alleges the images portray Our Lady of Guadalupe, a symbol of the Catholic faith and Mexican identity. Our Lady of Guadalupe is also a Catholic title for the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.

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The display includes numerous words and phrases in Spanish, including “Homophobia is lethal,” “Sexuality,” “Faggot,” “Stigma,” “Get your act together,” “Depressed,” “Lazy,” “They are killing us” and “No more feminicide.”

There’s also images of guns, men kissing, historical photos of women with guns, and what appears to be drag queens and LGBTQ pride celebrations. The “art,” titled Petalos De Cambio, or Petals of Change, was developed by GVSU alum Irlanda Beltran last year and is now in part of the GVSU Collection.

Since September, students have made repeated unsuccessful requests to GVSU leadership to have the installation removed, eventually calling on lawmakers in January to intervene.

“I am deeply concerned about the ‘Art’ that Grand Valley University felt so inclined to purchase and display,” state Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown, recently posted to X.

“One of my constituents sent me these photos expressing his frustration as a Catholic and a student at Grand Valley,” the post read. “He feels as though his Religious beliefs are being stomped on and thrown in his face, I agree with him.”

“If you have a child at Grand Valley you deserve to know about this,” Thompson wrote. “Rep. Luke Meerman, myself, and other leaders will be addressing this insulting attack on Christianity. Contact the president and the board and let them know how you feel right away!”

Meerman, R-Coopersville, met with several students of different faiths in late January to examine the display and has since worked to connect with GVSU officials through the school’s legislative liaison.

“I’m grateful the university chose to take down the display that many students saw as offensive, myself included,” Meerman emailed The Midwesterner. “We are watching to see what is ultimately done with this display and I hope the university shifts focus to the educational needs of the students.  I’ll watch to see if there is a change in focus at the university towards getting back to the core function of giving students the quality education they need to find successful careers.”

Meerman previously told The Midwesterner that the images are offensive to Catholics, Christians, Muslims and Jewish students.

“I don’t think it belongs on a college campus,” he said. “It’s definitely something I believe needs to come down.”

GVSU Assistant Vice President of University Communications Chris Knape previously ignored questions from The Midwesterner about the cost of the display, and the reaction it has created on campus.

“This discussion and critical thinking art can provoke are part of why GVSU maintains and displays one of Michigan’s largest art collections across our campuses,” Knape wrote in a prepared statement to The Midwesterner last month. “We understand that art can result in differing interpretations, sometimes creating discomfort. At GVSU, we welcome diverse – sometimes opposing – viewpoints as part of our commitment to the First Amendment.”

The GVSU Art Museum website identifies Petalos De Cambio as “Lot 2024.24 – PURCHASE GVSU collection.”

“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 sexual orientation, gender identity, or mental health status,” Beltran said in the description of the project. “Ultimately, the purpose is to envision a future where the murals serve as symbols of hope and solidarity, guiding us towards a more just and compassionate society for generations to come.”

Michigan taxpayers subsidized GVSU’s operations by nearly $100 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to the Michigan Legislature’s higher education appropriations report.

The $99.82 million appropriated for the current fiscal year came with a $2.5 million increase over last fiscal year.

This article has been updated since its initial publication.