Humphreys agrees to resign soon from seat on OU Board of Regents
Kirk Humphreys, who stated repeatedly he would not step down from the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, reversed course Thursday after being told his presence had become “a problem.”
Humphreys announced his decision to resign next month after board members met behind closed doors for two hours to discuss a leadership change prompted by comments he made condemning homosexuality.
“I did not want my presence on the board to be a problem to the regents or to make the path of the university more difficult, and if they indicated to me at any time that my presence on the board was a problem I would happily resign,” he said.
“And so, I want you to know that they have indicated that and it’s my intention to resign from the board of regents before the beginning of the second semester.”
Critics began calling for Humphreys to resign from the OU board and other boards following a televised exchange with state Rep. Emily Virgin, D-Norman, that aired Dec. 10 on KFOR’s “Flash Point.”
During the discussion Humphreys said: “Is homosexuality right or wrong? It’s not relative.
There’s a right and wrong, you just said it. So it’s either right or wrong. If it’s OK then it’s OK for everybody. Quite frankly, it’s OK for men to sleep with little boys, if it’s OK.”
During another exchange, Virgin said, “I’m not saying homosexuality is wrong.”
Humphreys replied, “Well, I do.”
Those remarks rankled the LGBTQ community, some OU students and faculty members and others who questioned whether Humphreys was fit to lead.
“These word that were spoken have done harm to our LGBTQ kids. The harm that has been done can’t be retracted,” OU alumna and donor Kay Holladay told the board Thursday. Holladay is the mother of three OU graduates, one who is gay.
As vice chairman, Humphreys was next in line to lead the board, which will select a successor to President David Boren, who is retiring June 30 after more than 23 years.
Troy Stevenson, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, an LGBTQ advocacy group, was among Humphrey’s harshest critics. The gay rights leader called for Humphreys to resign, but softened his stance after Humphreys apologized to him and agreed to participate in a community forum.
Stevenson said Thursday stepping down was “the most appropriate response.”
“I think that it’s the best thing for the University of Oklahoma in the search for its next president,” he said Thursday. “I think it sends a message to the students and to young people across the state that there are consequences for the words we use.”
Boren did not attend Thursday’s special meeting, but issued this statement:
“I thank Regent Humphreys for his years of service on the Board. I believe he has made the right decision for himself and for the University of Oklahoma.
“We will continue to move forward with our steadfast commitment to building a strong and inclusive community where every member of the university family feels valued. I hope this experience will serve as an opportunity for all members of the OU family to recommit ourselves to this spirit of inclusivity. I also applaud the Board for acknowledging the many members of our community who made their voices heard in this matter.”
Regents Chairman Clay Bennett spoke briefly after Humphreys announced his decision.
“Thank you, Kirk, and on behalf of the board, this is a very difficult day for us,” Bennett said. “We’ve had a very constructive tenure together. You’ve been a terrific regent. You’re a wonderful man, you’re a great friend, and we’ve all learned a lot through this process . ... We will always focus on what’s best for this institution.”
The board is the official governing body of OU, Cameron University and Rogers State University.
Gov. Mary Fallin appointed Humphreys, a real estate developer and former Oklahoma City mayor, to a seven-year term on the board in March 2012. Fallin will appoint someone to complete the unexpired portion of his term after she receives a letter of resignation and the effective date, spokesman Michael McNutt said. The state Senate must confirm the appointment.
Humphreys said he would wait to step down until after the football team plays in “the national championship game,” adding that his commitment to OU will not waver.
“I’ve been a Sooner all my life. I’m still a Sooner and I intend to do everything I can working with this board and with Sooners around the world to move this university forward,” he said. “So, live on, university. Thank you.”