In a recent exposé, The Pink Times uncovered troubling remarks made by Steven Hugley, the new interim band director at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. Hugley co-hosted a conservative commentary podcast called “Always Right,” where he made offensive comments targeting the LGBTQ community, including mocking people who are childless and agreeing that pro-LGBTQ religious leaders should be stoned. Notably, he misgendered transgender individuals and made derogatory statements about prominent figures like Jamie Lee Henry, the first openly trans active-duty military officer.
The revelations have sparked outrage among students and staff at Delta State. Jonathan Szot, a library assistant at the university and advocate for LGBTQ rights, took it upon themselves to investigate the matter and reported Hugley’s podcast to the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator. Szot emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for students, especially those belonging to marginalized communities, and is now calling on the university to reconsider Hugley’s appointment as band director.
The controversy surrounding Hugley’s podcast raises questions about the university’s stance on inclusivity and its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all students. For years, the LGBTQ community at Delta State has made strides in building acceptance despite resistance from some locals in the conservative town of Cleveland. With a new president, Daniel Ennis, recently assuming office, many are curious to see how he will address the issue and uphold the university’s values of diversity and tolerance.
So far, Delta State has declined to comment on the matter publicly, leaving many wondering what steps, if any, the administration will take to ensure a safe learning environment under Hugley’s leadership. Experts in civil liberties and free expression in higher education acknowledge that, while Hugley’s podcast was hosted as a private citizen, the university has the prerogative to condemn his speech. It remains to be seen whether the university will take action to address the concerns raised by Szot and the LGBTQ community.
For Szot and others who have experienced backlash in the conservative community of Mississippi, the university’s response to this situation is more than just a matter of hiring decisions. It’s a test of the university’s commitment to inclusivity and a reflection of its stance on LGBTQ rights in a state that has been historically hostile towards these communities. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on President Daniel Ennis to see how he navigates the delicate balance between free speech and fostering a campus environment that values diversity and respect.