MS Critterz Board President resigns due to Facebook comments
Published 9:33 am Tuesday, September 10, 2019
The president of the MS Critterz Board of Trustees resigned from her post on Monday night in the aftermath of Facebook comments with racist language that resurfaced.
Gail Brown submitted her resignation during the Board’s regular meeting, which was accepted. Last week, a Facebook comment of Brown’s began circulating around social media that included racist language.
“I have a high respect for the good, black true American population. I have no tolerance for n****** and white trash,” one of Brown’s comments read.
During the board meeting Monday night, Brown offered an apology for her statements.
“I am so sorry. I want to truly apologize to the staff, who worked so hard, the board of directors, the City and County officials and the community for the disruption that has been caused by old Facebook posts that I have made,” Brown said. “With this, I am asking that you accept my resignation as president.”
Immediately following Brown’s resignation, they elected Board member Aynslee Smith president. Brown will remain on the Board.
A 15-minute discussion period was held at the end of the meeting, where several people in attendance took the time to voice their displeasure over Brown’s comments. One lady said she would not make any further donations to the shelter while Brown was still involved with MS Critterz.
Another subject discussed was whether or not the City and the County leaders were aware of Brown’s comments and behavior prior to approving the contract with MS Critterz last fall. Alderman Janice Antonow, who represents the City on the MS Critterz Board, stated she had no prior knowledge of Brown’s racist comments.
MS Critterz was the only organization to submit an application to take over Lafayette County’s only animal shelter after the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society decided not to renew its contract. Other groups initially submitted applications, but eventually withdrew them during the selection process. The current contract between MS Critterz, the City and the County expires at the end of this month.