Michigan Civil Rights Director Fired

The director of Michigan’s Department of Civil Rights has been fired, after making comments that objectified women.

Agustin Arbulu made the remarks to a fellow male staff member in May. When they came to light, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission reprimanded him.

That decision drew criticism from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who called on the Commission to terminate him, and banned Arbulu from high-level state meetings.

Arbulu had begun a leave of absence last week. The 5-2 vote to terminate him yesterday came as Commission Chair Alma Wheeler Smith said they realized the circumstances had made it impossible for Arbulu to continue to lead effectively.

Deputy Director Mary Engelman will take the reins, for now.