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Sep 14, 2011

Brewer appointee has history of insensitivity towards GLBT and tribal communities

Heiler’s questionable past should concern higher education advocates

Brewer's appointment of Jay Heiler to the Board of Regents raises serious concerns. As a vocal and controversial college newspaper editor, Heiler sought to alienate his audience instead of building an environment of tolerance and academic freedom. His statements in the past that gays and lesbians are “queer” and an “aberration” are inappropriate for someone about to represent GLBT students on important issues such as discrimination and bullying. (Phoenix New Times, 6/3/1992)(AZ Republic, 11/5/1994)

He also brings back a troubled past as top advisor for indicted former-Governor Fife Symington. During his watch, the Symington Administration decided to declare war against our tribal communities. More recently, he lobbied for racinos and penned an editorial attacking tribal sovereignty and their ability to maximize their economic development. (AZ Republic, 7/25/2009)

“With so many qualified and respected people in our community who could have been chosen, Governor Brewer made a serious error in judgment selecting a crony with a demonstrated history of controversial statements. Given Mr. Heiler’s history, the public deserves to know if Mr. Heiler’s attitudes toward the GLBT community have changed, or his thoughts on how tribal communities have invested their revenues in college scholarships,” said Luis Heredia, Arizona Democratic Party executive director.

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