Clint McCancethe controversial Midland School District ( Ark. ) school board member who said on his Facebook page that all gays should commit suicidesaid that he would quit his position while on CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper's show AC360, according to Advocate.com .
Responding to a request to wear purple on Oct. 20 ( Spirit Day ) to support LGBT youth, McCance posted, "Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers killed themselves. The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed thereselves [ sic ] because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE."
The response from the LGBTA community was swift. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said, "Clint McCance has put a face on the hate that devastates our young people. McCance shouldn't be allowed near children, let alone managing their education. We call for his immediate resignation from the school board." Moreover, a Facebook page entitled "Fire Clint McCance" had more than 70,000 people liking it as of Nov. 1.
While on the CNN show, McCance told Cooper, "I made some very ignorant commentsdid not realize just how ignorant they were. ... I would never support suicide of any kids. I don't support bullying of any kids," according to a video on CNN.com . While apologizing, he called his postings "over the top" and said he "went too far."
According to CNN.com, McCance officially resigned Nov. 1, submitting his letter of resignation to the school board.
Andrew Davis