KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Even though he was sworn-in as a member of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees last month, former State Representative Jon Hoadley has had his nomination to the board rejected by the Michigan Senate, in what some are calling a statement against his sexuality.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Hoadley February 18 to replace Ron Kitchens, who had left the board. Hoadley was sworn in March 17 and attended the board meeting that day.
Senators voted last week 20-18 to block Hoadley’s appointment, with Democrats alleging Republicans opposed Hoadley because he is an openly gay man. Republicans said Hoadley’s status as a graduate student at WMU was a conflict of interest. University board appointments are made by the governor but are subject to consent of the Michigan Senate.
Equality Michigan Executive Director Erin Knott of Kalamazoo said in a statement, “It seems as if this is a Republican ruse to deny the appointment, simply because Jon is an openly gay man. What’s even more egregious, is the fact that many of these Senators served with Jon during his tenure in the Michigan Legislature and can attest to his ability to serve.”
In a statement posted to his Twitter account, Hoadley said he was “extremely disappointed” in the Senate’s vote last Thursday.
Republican Senator Aric Nesbitt of Lawton said he voted against Hoadley and another appointee to the Ferris State University Board of Trustees because he felt the governor had “exercised poor judgement” in making the appointments.
“University boards are responsible for managing multimillion dollar budgets, setting tuitions and ensuring the quality of education for thousands of Michigan students,” Nesbitt said. “Surely our governor could have identified individuals more qualified for these important positions. In fact, just in recent years, she has displayed better judgement with appointments to these very boards and universities.”
Hoadley had three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives serving the Kalamazoo area, and ran unsuccessfully for Congress against incumbent Fred Upton in 2020.
