LAS VEGAS KLAS — A Nevada System of Higher Education NSHE regent, Donald S. McMichael Sr., who lost his primary election and will soon leave his position, defended his controversial comments about Jewish students during a board meeting on Friday.
McMichael had been removed in June from his role as vice chair of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) committee by NSHE Board Chair Amy J. Carvalho. The removal followed McMichael’s remarks suggesting that Jewish students should “develop tougher skin and get in line.
At the meeting, McMichael questioned the legality of the decision to remove him from the committee. Despite repeated explanations from legal counsel about why he was removed and warnings that his requests for a board vote could violate Nevada Open Meeting laws, McMichael continued to push the issue.
Regent Stephanie Goodman criticized McMichael, saying, Regent McMichael, with all due respect, I feel like I’m watching an episode of ‘I’m Not a Lawyer But I Play One on TV.’ The legal team has explained the situation, and that should be enough.
Goodman continued, The reason you were removed is that you suggested some groups were less worthy of support, which goes against the principles of equity and inclusion that the IDEA committee stands for.
Regent Susan Brager, visibly upset, shared that her family suffered greatly in the Holocaust, and she found McMichael’s comments deeply troubling. It’s sad that we’re arguing over legalities instead of addressing the harm caused by those comments, she said.
The meeting also included a discussion on whether the regents should set clearer rules for the chair’s authority to remove committee officers.