A Michigan lawmaker was reprimanded Monday for sharing a post online about the “Great Alternative Theory” and endorsing “racist rhetoric.”
House Speaker Joe Tate, a Black Democrat, kicked Republican state Rep. Josh Shriver off key committees and stripped him of resources and staff days after he took the job on Feb. 6. .
“I will not allow the Michigan House of Representatives to become a platform for the proliferation of racist, hateful and bigoted speech,” Tate said in a statement.
“Schreiber has a history of promoting debunked theories and dangerous rhetoric that endangers the safety of Michigan residents and creates a hostile and unpleasant environment for others.”
Mr. Tate’s disciplinary action comes about a week after Mr. Shriver, who is white. Shared a post with X It featured a graphic from conservative commentator Jack Posobiec showing whites being outnumbered and bearing the phrase “Great successor!”
The Great Replacement Theory claims that there is a conspiracy to replace whites with non-whites.
Shriver’s post sparked intense backlash and allegations of racism in the country.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer denounced her post as “abhorrent rhetoric.”
The newspaper has reached out to Shriver for comment.
he defended his position to detroit news.
“I stand against racist, racist, victim politics,” Shriver said.
“What I find strange is the agenda of demoralizing and reducing the white portion of the population. It is not inclusive, but Christ is inclusive. Tucker Carlson and Jack Posobiec share a link I’m glad to be able to continue researching these issues.”
Despite the penalty, Shriver will be allowed to vote in the House. However, he will lose his seat on the House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee.
Additionally, Mr Tait directed the House Business Office to supervise its staff.
Mr. Shriver most recently ran for election in 2022.
Similar punitive actions are not unprecedented in Great Lakes state legislatures. In 2021, former Democratic state Rep. Jewell Jones was expelled from the committee following a DUI conviction.
