Michigan mayor resigns for saying 'I will be crucified if I vote against a black person' during city council meeting'

A Michigan mayor resigned Tuesday, a week after she said she supported the appointment of a human relations commissioner only because she would be 'crucified' if she voted against a Black person.

'I am deeply sorry to have my service end on this note and in this way,' Beth Bashert, who was mayor of Ypsilanti, said on Facebook.

'Sadly, as a result of my actions, there is healing to do to ensure that all residents, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, enjoy full equity in Ypsilanti,' she said. 'That is what I want for our City. I had hoped to participate in that healing process, going forward.

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Mayor Beth Bashert has resigned from her position after comments she made at a recent Ypsilanti City Council meeting

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Beth Bashert said she would be 'crucified' if she voted against a black person

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Her comments were made last week during a Ypsilanti City Council meeting that held on video conference, pictured

'It has been an honor to serve Ypsilanti in the ways I have, including city council member and mayor. I love Ypsilanti. Full Stop.' 

The controversy began last week when the city council was voting on the reappointment of Ka´Ron Gaines to a commission that advises the council on eliminating prejudice and discrimination.

Gaines' inconsistent attendance record was raised by some council members. 

Bashert, who is white, voted in favor of his appointment but the others voted no, including three who are Black.  

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The council was voting on the reappointment of Ka´Ron Gaines to a commission that advises the council on eliminating prejudice and discrimination

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'Since I will be crucified if I vote against any black person on any commission, I'm going to vote 'yes' Bashert said

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Bashert, who is white was the only council member to vote in favor of Gaines

'Since I will be crucified if I vote against any Black person on any commission, I'm going to vote 'yes', Bashert said at the time.

The remarks did not go down well with those in the black community. 

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Former Ypsilanti Mayor Beth Bashert (right) with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

'I think that is disrespectful, honestly, to our constituents and our community to say that you have to vote 'yes' because then, if not, you would be attacked because you didn't appoint another black person,' said council member Nicole Brown, one of three African Americans on the council. 

Bashert subsequently apologized and posted a statement on Facebook saying she was 'deeply ashamed and saddened' by her remarks.   

'I made a biased statement and voted based on that statement,' she said. 'Then I compounded the whole thing by digging in and getting defensive when questioned. All of those actions were racist. I am deeply ashamed and saddened that I did this. I have spent the time since that meeting feeling remorse, shame, and anger at myself.'  

On Monday night, a group of about 50 people called for her resignation and changes in how the city operates including the city's police department.