FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan

April 14, 2022

Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org

Why Exactly Did Senate Republicans Reject This Nominee?

Former State Rep. Jon Hoadley rejected from university board position despite qualifications

MICHIGAN – On Thursday, the Michigan Senate voted to reject Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s nomination of Jon Hoadley to serve on the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees, and their lack of a clear reason sparked questions about whether homophobia was involved in the decision-making process. 

“Jon Hoadley is an incredibly qualified public servant, and yet Senate Republicans rejected his nomination without a single hearing or credible excuse,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Given Mr. Hoadley’s extensive qualifications and leadership experience and the fact that he is openly gay, this party-line vote begs the question: Did Republicans reject him because he wasn’t qualified, or because of their own personal prejudice?”

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