The Erie County Legislature’s seven Democrat legislators that make up the majority caucus on Thursday, May 11 voted “no” on a resolution to hold Clover Group Inc. President Michael Joseph accountable for alleged racism in his organization. The resolution failed by a vote of 4-7, with all members of the Republican caucus voting “yes.”
The resolution sought to suspend Michael Joseph from Board positions at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center pending an investigation of Clover Management. The company, led by CEO Michael Joseph, has been accused of implementing racist policies that have harmed minority communities. Clover Management has also been the recipient of tax breaks from Erie County in the form of PILOT agreements.
The resolution urged the boards of both Buffalo AKG Art Museum and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to take necessary steps to suspend Mr. Joseph from his board positions until an investigation into the allegations against the Clover Group is completed by an independent third party, and if that probe finds evidence of discriminatory practices and policies that Michael Joseph should resign from those board positions. The resolution also asked that the results be made public.
A separate resolution was passed 11-0 that calls for the termination of employees at Clover Group that were heard in an audio recording allegedly making racist remarks in referencing company practices and policy. However, in that resolution CEO Michael Joseph was not held accountable. In addition, that resolution does not call for Mr. Joseph to be suspended from his board service at the Art Museum and Roswell Park pending the outcome of a third party investigation.