Actor Ed O’Neill, known for his role in “Modern Family,” has expressed his disappointment in Youngstown State University’s decision to appoint former Republican congressman Bill Johnson as its new president.
O’Neill criticized Johnson for his polarizing views and support for former President Donald Trump, stating that he plans to return the honorary doctorate degree he received from the university in 2013 in protest.
“I was so disappointed when I heard about this decision,” O’Neill said. “He’s a polarizing guy, an election denier. He’s not the biggest fan of the gay community. He’s anti-choice. He’s just a polarizing, far right-wing fanatical guy.”
O’Neill emphasized that Johnson’s appointment is “a slap in the face” and that he cannot keep the honorary degree due to the circumstances.
“When I got the honorary doctorate, I used to tell my kids, ‘Call me doctor,’ you know, ‘I’m a doctor, an actual doctor.’ I was very proud of it, but I can’t keep it. It doesn’t mean anything to me now,” O’Neill said.
Youngstown State University bringing on Johnson is “a slap in the face to all of us,” he said.
“And I can’t have it,” O’Neill said regarding his degree. “I’m giving it back.”
However, the university’s Board of Trustees chair, Mike Peterson, expressed confidence in Johnson’s ability to lead the university, citing his forward-thinking approach and alignment with the university’s strategic plan.
Johnson will be “forward thinking and an investment in the future of YSU,” Peterson said.
“He understands the vision of our strategic plan,” Peterson said. “From the outset of this presidential search process, we have looked for candidates who have the attributes we want in our next president.”
“Our president must delegate, be a team-builder, avoid micromanaging, successfully fundraise and, especially, understand the challenges we face in higher education generally and particularly in Ohio,” Peterson added. “Bill Johnson meets and exceeds those expectations.”
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