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Calls for resignation grow for Redford board member following discriminatory statements

School board voted to censure member at Monday’s meeting for his previous remarks

REDFORD, Mich. – School leaders in Redford are calling for the resignation of a board member.

Redford Union Board of Education President Evelyn Pridemore has called for the resignation of board member Jim Bailey.

“He has repeatedly made disparaging remarks against women, against ethnicities, against the Larry Nassar victims, against our students,” Pridemore said.

The school board voted to censure Bailey at Monday’s (May 12) meeting for his previous remarks.

Redford Union High School Principal Michael Taylor and Redford Union Education Association President Lisa Hildebrandt have condemned Bailey’s alleged comments and described other instances where they question his leadership.

“Walking into a Girl Scouts meeting last month and videotaping without introducing himself or asking for permission,” Taylor said. “When asked for those videos, he’s refused to turn them over, which is just as disturbing.”

Local 4 asked Bailey if he wanted to be interviewed on camera to provide a response to these accusations. Bailey declined and instead sent a statement.

“There have been too many ambush tactics used to date; If I were to resign, who would stand up against the illegal activities being done around me?” Bailey’s statement read in part.

If Bailey doesn’t resign, Pridemore said she and others are prepared to try and remove him by gathering signatures from voters.

Bailey’s full statement is below.

“Thank you for this opportunity to speak. There have been too many ambush tactics used to date. What is being done now against me in the Redford Union School District was attempted against another Board member, Mr. Pelto, in 1999, so it has been expected. In answer to your question, if I were to resign, who would continue to stand up for our children and their futures? Please, see the statistics from over the years. If I were to resign, who would stand up against the illegal activities being done around me? See the meeting being complained about. If I were to resign, who would advocate for better preparation for half of our population?”

Jim Bailey

About the Author
Jacqueline Francis headshot

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

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