Regent’s ‘witches’ remark draws rebuke from deans

DETROIT — Top University of Michigan academic leaders have condemned comments by a member of the Board of Regents who called the state’s three senior Democrats “witches.”

The rare criticism by campus leaders of a regent adds to the controversy involving Ron Weiser, who also is the head of the state Republican Party.

Late Saturday, Weiser issued an apology of sorts for calling the three female leaders of the state “witches” who should be “ready for the burning at the stake.” He also referenced “assassination” in the context of ousting GOP congressmen who had voted in favor of impeaching thenPresident Donald Trump on a charge of inciting an insurrection.

Weiser spent Saturday reaching out to various members of the campus community and tried to get private telephone numbers to talk to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

That didn’t sway UM’s deans. Six female deans sent the letter to Weiser and also to students, faculty and staff.

“We find your comments about elected leaders in the state of Michigan to be insulting, demeaning to women, and contrary to the democratic values of our state and country,” they wrote. “We must speak out in protest when women are threatened with violence because of the decisions they have made. We believe that sexist name calling and threats of violence, especially from those in positions of power, simply are not acceptable.”

Weiser’s apology was offered after four of his fellow board members called for him to resign.