Democratic lawmakers seek action against bigoted Republican denigration of Michiganders of Asian, African and Latin American descent

 

LANSING, Mich., May 14, 2025 — State Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) introduced a resolution today to request the censure of state Rep. Josh Schriver (R-Oxford) after he made racist statements on the House floor directed at Michiganders of Asian, African and Latin American descent. The comments are available here. Schriver made the slanderous remarks during his floor speech while the House considered the Republican-sponsored xenophobic package of bills, HBs 4338-42. House Republicans refused to adopt the resolution, showing their defense of Schriver and his beliefs

“State lawmakers represent every citizen in their community — Michiganders should not have to endure people in power promoting white supremacist hate speech against our citizens of color,” MacDonell said. “My House district has among the highest numbers of Indian and Chinese American residents in Michigan, both American- and foreign-born. I will not be silent as House Republicans enable their members to slander and offend the equal protections of our constituents. I call on Republican members to pass this resolution and hold Rep. Schriver accountable for his insulting language.”

Ahead of introducing the resolution, Democratic members joined MacDonell at her “Denounce Hate” press conference yesterday to call on Speaker Hall and House Republicans to censure Schriver and condemn his racist rhetoric. The full press conference can be viewed here.

“Schriver’s abhorrent comments on the House floor were deeply offensive to the people of Michigan and need to be brought to justice. It is unconscionable that Republican House leadership allows such blatantly racist and dangerous rhetoric to roam free in this Legislature,” said state Rep. Morgan Foreman (D-Pittsfield Twp.). “As usual, House Democrats are the only ones stepping up to the plate to protect Michiganders and rid this body of the bigotry that the Republican agenda welcomes so readily.”

The resolution requests the censure of Schriver for his racist statements, emphasizing that the hate he promoted opposes every U.S. citizen’s 14th Amendment rights to equal protection under the law, the Michigan Constitution and the Standing Rules of the House. Not a single Republican lawmaker co-sponsored the resolution.

“The history of America and Michigan was built by hardworking immigrants and refugees, including those of Asian, African, and Latin American descent — people like me and my family,” said state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren). “What we heard on the House floor was not just ignorant — it was racist. During AANHPI and Jewish American Heritage Month, instead of celebrating our diversity, House Republicans pushed hateful rhetoric and ​bills that attack immigrants and local governments. As House Democrats, we will continue calling out this Speaker and his caucus for giving racism a platform in our Legislature.”

Schriver’s racist remarks earlier this month are not an outlier for the member. Michigan House Democrats publicly condemned Schriver for his uplifting of white supremacist ideology on social media last year. While House Dems worked in the majority to hold Schriver accountable by stripping him of his committee assignments and staff, Republican leadership has allowed him to continue spreading racist rhetoric this term.

“Last term, I introduced the resolution to hold Rep. Schriver accountable for his continued public promotion of bigoted, hateful values. The fact that House Republicans are allowing him to repeat this behavior is indicative of a failure to lead, and to stand up for Michiganders,” said state Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “Once again, Dems are the leaders of accountability, inclusion and integrity in this House.”

“I am a granddaughter of an immigrant from Mexico. Immigrants choosing to live and work and thrive in Michigan is testament to their loyalty to our country and the people of this state, said state Rep. Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods). “You don’t pick and choose which of your constituents you represent. Apparently, Rep. Schriver chooses not to represent over 10% of his constituents. Hatred and exclusion are unacceptable and I refuse to allow his words to define Michigan and this Legislature. Rep. MacDonell’s resolution to censure Rep. Schriver — and our press conference — should not have to be the wake-up call House Republicans need to denounce hate.”

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