Whitmer Calls for Arbulu Resignation, Bans Him from Cabinet Meetings

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has called for the resignation of Michigan Department of Civil Rights Director Agustin Arbulu in a letter to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission on Wednesday, according to a report by MLive.

Arbulu was recently reprimanded by the commission for inappropriate comments about women. Whitmer originally questioned Arbulu’s continuation as director, but wanted to wait until she had more information

“I am now of the opinion that Director Arbulu should resign and, if he refuses, the commission should immediately dismiss him,” Whitmer wrote, according to MLive. “The department has a critical mission: to prevent discrimination and to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints. This charge is as important today as ever. By his actions, and his response to the ensuing investigation, I believe the director has compromised that mission and lacks the credibility his position demands.”

Whitmer also said Arbulu was banned from cabinet meetings.

The commission responded to Whitmer’s original letter, saying that “the sexual harassment complaint before us was not actionable” and that a “restorative justice discipline model” fits better with the commission’s mission.

The governor is not the first Michigan official to call for Arbulu’s resignation. Seven Democratic Michigan representatives and the Progressive Women’s Caucus Executive Committee have released statements calling for the director’s resignation.

Michigan Representative Leslie Love (D-Detroit) said that if Arbulu does not resign, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights should do more than “simply offer a minor reprimand.”

“It is my hope that if [Arbulu] somehow remains within the department that the MDCR will: One, not allow him to maintain his title as director. Two, require him to submit a written apology to the public. Three, require him to complete an additional 24 hours of courses that examine sexual harassment prevention and awareness and gender-identity sensitivity. Four, require him to host four community conversations throughout the state, with an emphasis on unconscious bias. A slap on the wrist — which is all he’s received thus far — is insufficient.”

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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with Battleground State News and The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
Photo “Gretchen Whitmer” by Gretchen Whitmer.