The Buffalo (N.Y.) school board has approved a resolution that directs board member Carl Paladino to resign.
WIVB-TV reports that the action came after Paladino, who was New York state co-chair of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, made racist remarks about President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Despite the board's vote, Paladino says he will not resign; the school board has petitioned state education commissioner MaryEllen Elia to begin the process of removing Paladino from his seat.
The board's request to the state is the second such action; the Buffalo Parent Teacher Organization says it has begun to fill out the required paperwork to petition the state.
Paladino's offensive comments appeared in the Dec. 22 issue of Artvoice magazine. Paladino responded to a question about predictions for 2017 with disparaging remarks against the Obamas.
Paladino initially said he stood by his comments, and refused to apologize, but subsequently released another statement, apologizing to “the minority community,” and stating that he sent the comments to the magazine by mistake.
The Buffalo News reports that despite the outcry over Paladino's offensive remarks, Paladino asserts that he is in good standing with Trump and his transition team
VIDEO from WIVB-TV:
