New briefs Oct. 20

WGVU producer appointed to governor’s council

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder recently appointed 15 members to the governor’s council on genocide, including Michael Walenta, WGVU public media general manager. The council was created to increase genocide awareness and education by training teachers and providing educational experiences to students throughout the state.

WGVU has produced documentaries about Auschwitz and genocide in Germany, both of which were broadcast internationally, received a Michigan Emmy along with many other awards worldwide. Walenta’s term will expire Aug. 26, 2018.

‘Thin Blue Line’ panel

The student senate of Grand Valley State University will host a panel discussion about police brutality Thursday, Oct. 20. The event will take place in the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center Room 121A from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The panel will include Chief Renee Freeman of the GVSU police department, Chief David Rahinsky of the Grand Rapids police department, social justice educator Relando Thompkins-Jones, professor Louis Moore and others. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/studentsenate.