Michigan Rep. Josh Schriver from Oxford is in the hot seat for boosting a "great replacement" theory post that has sparked outrage among his peers. The Republican legislator reposted a graphic on X, previously shared by a right-wing pundit, depicting a world map with mostly black figures overshadowing white ones, along with the incendiary phrase "The great replacement!" according to FOX 2 Detroit.
This controversial concept posits that there is an orchestrated effort to "replace" white populations in predominantly white countries with people of color through immigration or other means. The theory is widely discredited and associated with white supremacist rhetoric. State Democrats have loudly condemned the post, labeling it as a racist ideology bent on minimizing the influence of white people globally. Schriver did not respond to attempts to get his comment on the doorstep of his home.
House Speaker Joe Tate, the first African-American to serve in the position, has blasted Schriver’s actions, calling the post "blatantly racist" and that it "deeply and personally offended the Michigan House of Representatives," as mentioned in a statement to The Detroit News. Tate has further criticized the perpetuation of a narrative that has been connected to multiple violent attacks, denouncing it as dangerous and indicative of ignorance.
In defense, Schriver issued a statement asserting his inclusive faith-based beliefs and his opposition to racism. According to The Detroit News, Schriver stated he finds it strange that there is an agenda to demoralize and reduce the white portion of the population, maintaining that "Christ is inclusive!" He has cited talk shows and other right-wing figures as sources of his information. Schriver's posts have led to his colleague, Democratic state Rep. Jason Hoskins, questioning his ability to continue working with him. "Michigan House Republican celebrates Black History Month by promoting racist and dangerous conspiracies that there are too many people of color," Hoskins said, as per Michigan Advance.
The backlash extends beyond political lines, with the fan group Northern Guard Supporters of the Detroit City Football Club stating that Schriver is not welcome among their ranks due to his post. This sentiment is echoed, despite Schriver pointing out in social media posts that his wife is a player for the affiliated women's team. Michigan Democratic Party Chairwoman Lavora Barnes and others have voiced their disapproval, urging the Republican Party to do the same.
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