It looks like former Republican congressman Mark Kennedy might soon be confirmed as the president of the University of Colorado Boulder even though he has a history of voting against same-sex marriage — that is, unless student protestors get their way.
Last week, the University’s Board of Regents announced the 61-year-old’s candidacy, citing his “commitment to diversity.” Think Progress explains why some people take issue with that claim:
Kennedy served as a congressman representing Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006. While in office, he voted in favor of and co-sponsored bills that aimed to create a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. He also voted in favor of funding health care providers that do not provide information about abortions and against providing grants to black and Hispanic colleges.
The university later revealed that they “accelerated” their public announcement of Kennedy after a report by the Grand Forks Herald suggesting that he was under consideration for the job. The university rushed out their announcement before finishing the vetting process. One board member even said that they didn’t discuss his voting record during a vetting interview.
Regents board member Linda Shoemaker claims his anti-LGBTQ voting record was addressed during an exploratory interview the week before he was named. Another board member said that the vetting process is ongoing and that a lot had been done before his naming. And yet another said that they weren’t particularly bothered by his Congressional voting record seeing as the president’s main job are to secure donors and retain students.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Related: Republican governor pens letter to LGBTQ community apologizing for his awful homophobic colleagues
Shoemaker said, “It’s unfortunate we prematurely had to release his name because we didn’t even have the opportunity for our own staff to do the vetting that we would have expected to be done prior to announcing this finalist.”
In a recent letter to the university community, Kennedy defended his previous anti-LGBTQ votes, writing:
Like many friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Congress, my position on marriage has evolved. Would I vote the same way today? No. My record in supporting the LGBTQ+ community reflects a deep respect for the dignity of each individual. Students, faculty, staff and members of our community will have my full support and respect no matter who they love or how they identify. I am committed to be a leader for all.
At the University of North Dakota, I issued an anti-discrimination and harassment policy covering sexual orientation and gender identity as strong as similar policies at CU. At UND, we have attracted talented LGBTQ+ individuals to leadership roles and expanded programming in support of our LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff. I will ensure that senior university leaders share my commitment to nondiscrimination and the benefits of diversity.
The board has 14 days from the time of his naming to decide whether to hire him. With eight days left and students protesting, they could eventually rescind his candidacy and choose one of the other five unnamed candidates, but that seems unlikely seeing as they’ve already named him as their official candidate.
Over 5,000 people, including faculty and students, have signed an open letter asking the Board of Regents to reconsider his candidacy. On Monday, students protested Kennedy’s visit to one of the university’s four campuses. They are planning a second protest on April 26 when Kennedy will hold an open forum on campus to address community concerns.
funpitt412
It is ok for OBAMA to evolve on his position on gay marriage, but we should never allow a Republican to do the same? So many hypocrites!
Kangol
Obama supported same-sex marriage as an Illinois state senator. He re-“evolved” once he became President of the United States, since a significant portion of the Democratic Party were iffy on same-sex marriage and most GOPers were against same-sex marriage. This Repug claims “evolution” on the issue, but has he urged his GOP colleagues to change their votes and perspectives? Will he be truly inclusive? Has he evolved on support for Black and Hispanic colleges?
DCguy
Oh look, the anti-LGBT troll, that attacks LGBT victims and defends bigots, tries to deflect the topic to attack Obama and defend bigots.
iamru2
There will always be radical unhinged people out there looking for an excuse to be “outraged”! I bet these SJW hypocrite protesters would be all for giving convicted criminals 2nd and 3 rd chances!
Jo2l
Who is she? Who was she? Who does she hope to be?
IWantAFullBeard
Well, they just lost a donor for life….jk I never gave that school a penny. But FYI the governor is gay and the president of the university will have to engage with the governor. Since the incoming president is a bigot, this might be a challenge.
Thad
Maybe we shouldn’t worry. Would a real Republican seek to work in Boulder?
Lokesh pareek
Who is she? Who was she? Who does she hope to be?
DCguy
Notice how all of these bigots lie and claim they have changed their minds about LGBT people when it could effect their wallet?
Daggerman
..just another example of ‘Oh if I change my views people will vote for me!!!!!! All LGBT issues are important so they need addressing thoroughly and definitely need to be dealt with sympathy.
justgeo
Just another TRUMPett type of move. Don’t forget forgive but don’t hire and give power to assholes.
draven
College presidents make big money!!!!