Michigan mayor resigns after saying she’d be ‘crucified’ for vote against Black person

A Michigan mayor has resigned over a racist comment she made while voting to keep a Black man on a city commission, saying she would be “crucified” if she voted against him.

Ypsilanti Mayor Beth Bashert announced her resignation Tuesday, a week after the vote.

Bashert and city council members had debated whether to retain a member of a commission, despite concerns about his absenteeism. She was the only member of the city council to vote in favor of keeping the man on the board.

“Since I will be crucified if I vote against any Black person on any commission, I’m going to vote yes,” Bashert said.

Other city council members immediately criticized her.

“I don’t like you said that,” city council member Anthony Morgan said. “That’s not true.”

“You have to vote on qualifications so come on,” Mayor Pro-Tem Lois Richardson said.

The next day, Bashert said in a Facebook post that her comment and vote were racist, but she intended to continue serving as mayor. She apologized to the city council, specifically naming three Black elected officials.

“As a white person, unfortunately, I am a racist person because I was raised in a racist culture and because I am an imperfect human being,” Bashert said. “I care deeply about confronting racism, yet that does not mean that I am not racist. I am trying to confront racism in myself.”

On Monday, hundreds of protesters gathered downtown demanding Bashert resign, including all six of her fellow city council members, the Detroit Free Press reported. The organizers weren’t satisfied with the mayor’s apology.

Bashert resigned less than 24 hours later, saying the city needs to heal. Ypsilanti, with a population of about 20,000, is 35 miles west of Detroit.

“I am deeply sorry to have my service end on this note and in this way,” Bashert said. “Sadly, as a result of my actions, there is healing to do to ensure that all residents, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color enjoy full equity in Ypsilanti. That is what I want for our City. I had hoped to participate in that healing process, going forward.”

This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 1:20 PM.