OutFront Kalamazoo Commends City Commission for Decisive Action

Organization applauds Kalamazoo’s decision to withdraw
support from Southwest Michigan First and urges others to do the same.
OutFront calls on corporate and civic leaders to acknowledge the link
between LGBTQ+ equality and economic development.

KALAMAZOO, MI February 17, 2021 – OutFront Kalamazoo, one of Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ community centers, applauds the decision by the Kalamazoo City Commission to withdraw from Southwest Michigan First’s Council of 100 following the organization’s appointment of former Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield as CEO.

“With their action, the City Commission confirmed that equal treatment and protection from discrimination is a core value of this community. We applaud their decision and urge every member of the Council of 100 to do the same” said OutFront Kalamazoo Executive Director, Amy Hunter. “Southwest Michigan First had sent an alarming message by selecting Lee Chatfield to lead the organization’s effort to expand the economy of the Southwest Michigan region. Their choice did not reflect an understanding that equity and inclusivity is key to maintaining a quality workforce and growing the area’s economy.” 

While Southwest Michigan First has reportedly responded to the city’s action by updating its own non-discrimination policy, it cannot deny the message it has sent by choosing a leader so clearly opposed to LGBTQ+ equality. Mr. Chatfield opposed efforts to expand the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders, saying it would be detrimental to business. 

The Movement Advancement Project estimates that only 31% of the state’s population is protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation in private employment, housing, and public accommodations. Southwest Michigan First should be leading the effort to remove barriers to full participation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the economic life of our state.

“Thankfully, the region is fortunate to have corporate leaders who are champions of diversity and inclusion” said Hunter. “Southwest Michigan First should listen closely to civic and community leaders who are clearly committed to implementing statewide LGBTQ-inclusive policies. Securing these protections is an essential step in ensuring our region’s economic future.”

OutFront Kalamazoo is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.

###