GLAAD board accepts Jarrett Barrios resignation

The news that GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios had resigned from his post surfaced over the weekend but it was not until today that the organization’s board of directors have confirmed his impending departure.

Barrios is stepping down after 23 months on the job because of fallout over a statement he had released supporting the merger of telecom giants AT&T and T-Mobile. AT&T had donated $50,000 to the LGBT rights organization.

Barrios said in a statement: “None of you have asked me to resign, and I have appreciated such confidence in me. As many of you have observed to me, this entire situation is wrought with miscommunication and assumptions. Be that as it may, I respect the function and responsibility of my position, and know this is the right course of action. Of utmost concern and foremost in all of our minds must be the well-being of GLAAD.  The staff continues to work hard and does not deserve to work under a cloud, nor do they merit the distraction that it has become from our organization’s fine brand.”

Board Co-Chairs Roxanne Jones and Scott E. Miller confirmed that the decision to resign was made on Barrios’ personal accord and that he was not asked to resign by the board.

Said Jones: “Under Jarrett’s tenure, he has put together a staff leadership team that is among the strongest in the movement. I’m confident that our current Board and staff are committed to executing our programmatic goals and reaching new heights.”

The board of Directors also accepted the resignation of several members: Gary Bitner, Jocelyn Bramble, Kelly Dermody, Humberto Mata, Michael Nutt, James Walker, Randi Weingarten and Troup Coronado. Coronado had close ties to AT&T.

The Board of Directors currently has 22 members.