Michigan Republican state senators are facing accusations of homophobia from their Democratic rivals for voting against an appointee for the board of trustees of a state university who happens to be gay.
The legislative body declined to confirm the appointment of Jon Hoadley to the board of trustees of Western Michigan University last week, citing a conflict of interest because Hoadley is currently enrolled as a student at the university.
But following the vote, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, tweeted that the GOP rejected Hoadley’s appointment because he was gay and that the Michigan Republican Party had “declared open war on LGBTQ people.”
If it wasn’t already clear that @MIGOP has declared open warfare on LGBTQ people, it should be now.@JonHoadley is more than qualified for this position. This vote is outrageous https://t.co/NMoUL1qCD2
— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) April 14, 2022
Likewise, the WMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors said in statement that “considering current anti-LGBTQ political trends, it would be irresponsible to ignore Hoadley’s status as an openly gay political leader.”
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“The Michigan Senate’s summary rejection of Jon Hoadley is in defiance of Michigan’s explicit conflict-of-interest policy regarding such matters and adds to a growing wave of noxious anti-LGBTQ backlash that threatens to take our country backward,” the association said. “This rejection is not only an insult to Hoadley, but to all of us at Western Michigan University who value fair play, respect, and the inclusion of diverse views and perspectives in higher education leadership.”
Hoadley, who previously served as a state representative in the Michigan legislature, did not accuse his former legislative colleagues of homophobia but expressed disappointment that his appointment had been rejected.
“This action, taken without even an hearing, is counter to the spirit of open debate and study that is a hallmark for higher education institutions,” Hoadley said.
— Jon Hoadley (@JonHoadley) April 14, 2022
Hoadley was not the only appointment to a university board of trustees rejected by the state senate last week. According to Michigan Live, the legislative body also shot down the appointment of Michael Ryan to the Ferris State University board, citing Ryan’s “combative relationship” with the board.
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“Surely our governor could have identified individuals more qualified for these important positions,” state Sen. Aric Nesbitt said about the appointments of Ryan and Hoadley.
