New-Governor-Cuomo-Pic
New York, NY (77WABC)-The Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign has announced that its President, Alphonso David has been ousted.
His removal follows an independent report which found that David allegedly attempted to aide former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo during the NY State Attorney General’s investigation into Cuomo. The State AG, Letitia James, found in her report that Cuomo sexually harassed a total of 11 women. The former Governor has denied inappropriate activity. He resigned effective August 24th, with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul taking over as Governor.
Human Rights Campaign and Foundation Board Chairs, Morgan Cox and Jodie Patterson released the following statement on Twitter:
Statement from Morgan Cox and Jodie Patterson, Human Rights Campaign and Foundation Board Chairs pic.twitter.com/mxUGEFSstn
— HRC 🥥🌴 (@HRC) September 7, 2021
Alphonso reportedly advised Cuomo on how to handle allegations of sexual harassment.
David, was the group’s first black president. The commission says he was fired “for just cause” in a vote that followed a joint meeting of the boards of directors of the Human Rights Campaign and its affiliate foundation.
Following his removal, Alphonso responded on Twitter demanding “truth and transparency,”:
Update from Alphonso David pic.twitter.com/PAtqcEwvBg
— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) September 7, 2021
Alphonso, in his twitter statement, also said he plans a legal challenge.
The HRC focuses on protecting and expanding rights for LGBTQ individuals, most notably advocating for same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination and hate crimes legislation, and HIV/AIDS advocacy. The campaign has a number of legislative initiatives as well as supporting resources for LGBTQ individuals.