“On occasion, there were robust conversations about policy issues where reasonable people could disagree and did,” Gordon wrote. “This was healthy: the stakes were life and death, and different people have different roles.”In his letter, Gordon didn’t give any specific details and only said that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan during the pandemic saved lives. Ad“I was honored to play a part in that work,” Gordon wrote. “Governor Whitmer deserves a health director with whom she is comfortable.”The letter was released hours after Whitmer’s office confirmed both sides were agreeing to end the confidentiality surrounding Gordon’s resignation and $155,000 payout.

LANSING, Mich. – After the controversy surrounding the abrupt resignation and separation agreement involving former Michigan health chief Robert Gordon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered changes to the use of these agreements in state government. Whitmer directs changes to use of separation agreements in state governmentWhitmer released an Executive Directive on Friday on how state agencies can end employee contracts. The directive said state agencies can still enter into agreements with pay-outs -- something the state already does -- and it still allows for confidentiality agreements, unless it would cover up illegal activity. Ad”I am proud of these measures because they will benefit both state employees and the people of Michigan,” Whitmer said.

(Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, File)After the controversy surrounding the abrupt resignation and separation agreement involving former Michigan health chief Robert Gordon, Gov. Whitmer released an Executive Directive on Friday on the use of separation agreements by state departments and agencies. “Michiganders should have confidence in the activities of state government, including the expenditure of public funds on separation agreements. Under the new directive, separation agreements cannot deny a party the right or opportunity to disclose the underlying facts and circumstances regarding unlawful workplace acts including discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, or fraud. Finally, prior to finalization, all separation agreements must be submitted to the Attorney General for review.