Protesters rally against Wayne State sponsorship of event honoring Gov. Snyder

DETROIT (WJBK) - Controversy at Wayne State University where Gov. Rick Snyder is set to be honored at an event sponsored by the college.

But many protestors came out to voice their opposition with WSU's involvement with the Crain's Detroit Business Newsmakers event featuring Snyder.  A large group turned out of the Board of Governors meeting at Wayne State University Friday.

One passionate protestor had to be escorted out moments later.

"Wayne State wants to honor him, Wayne State wants to honor him," said one protestor. "That isn't right."

Members of several community organizations like the Marcus Garvey movement, Black Panther Nation and Defenders of Truth and Justice sat in on the meeting to rally against the luncheon scheduled for next month at Motor City Casino.

The protestors are talking about Wayne State being a major sponsor, but the university says it is not to blame.

Spokesperson Matt Lockwood says the school bought a table to support Mike and Chris Ilitch who recently made a $40 million donation to the school of business. The Ilitches will also be honored at the event.

"It's not Wayne State's event," Lockwood said. "This is the Crain's Detroit Business event, so we don't have anything to do with the selection of people. But I don't think you can argue with the fact that Gov. Snyder is a news maker."

"We're here today to make a statement to tell the board of governors you guys should not stand with Mike Ilitch or anyone who would give an award to a man such as Gov. Snyder," said Pastor W.J. Rideout III. "He's not humanitarian at all and he's not transparent."

During the meeting, the demonstrators got a big no to their request of pulling Snyder from the event. The board of governors said it's out of their hands and they can't control who is honored.

Now the demonstrators say it's time to stage marches and rallies to raise awareness.
But the defense implied that she was coached and that VanCallis never said anything.

The trial continues Tuesday morning.