Grand Rapids Reporter

Catholic Central High School President Terry Tyrrell has announced the school's Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Tim Marroquín, has resigned from his position.

In an email to the school community, Tyrrell expressed gratitude for Marroquín's contributions during his tenure.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to Tim for his dedication and passion in his efforts to champion a rich cultural diversity and foster an inclusive educational environment within our school. I  appreciate the positive changes he has brought about during his time with us. His last day will be December 29,” Tyrrell said.

“Catholic teaching guides our belief that we are all created in the image and likeness of God inspiring us to promote the dignity of each person through an inclusive school culture, one that creates a sense of welcome and belonging. I will be working with the Catholic Central leadership team to ensure we continue to embrace the rich and dynamic contributions of our students and the community we serve as we consider the next steps for this position.”

Marroquín led a ‘DEI’ work group at Catholic Central High School that included 14 school teachers.

Marroquin most recently led a school investigation into which student wrote rap lyrics in permanent marker on a boys' bathroom wall, discovered in early December.

In a letter to students and parents, Tyrrell and principal Tiffany Marrinan called the rap lyrics, by an artist named "Bobby 2 Pistolz," a "violation of human dignity."

Marroquin did not release the name of the student perpetrator identified in his investigation.

Following his resignation, Marroquín assumed the role of Director of Education at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.

"Strategies for talking with kids about all aspects of diversity: race, economic, sexual, religious, and immigration status."

Marroquin, 55, who previously spent nine years working in similar "DEI" roles at Grand Valley State and is "chair of the Latino caucus" for the Ottawa County Democratic Party, has been outspoken in favor of left-leaning causes in West Michigan.

Last summer, Marroquin publicly mocked Ottawa County County Commissioner, Lucy Ebel, for being "Christian Conservative" and Mexican, claiming she doesn't "advocate for the Hispanic/Latino community... much less her brown self."

Ebel is a Republican.

In 2020, Marroquin gave a presentation to the "Lake Shore Ethnic Diversity Alliance" in Holland on how to replace books written by white authors in school classrooms with "diverse books" that de-emphasize white characters. He is currently board president at Herrick District Library.

"This breakout session will cover the nuts and bolts for establishing a program like Diversity Rocks the Book in your community, suggestions for selecting and using diverse books in the classroom, and strategies for talking with kids about all aspects of diversity: race, economic, sexual, religious, and immigration status," an event agenda said.

Marroquin also serves as a Board Trustee for the School District of City of Holland Board of Education, Board President at Herrick District Library and as a Board Member for the "Latin Americans United for Progress" in Holland. He previously served as commissioner for the City of Holland Human Relations Commission.

He holds a Master of Education degree from Grand Valley State University, Master of Arts from Central Michigan University and another degree from Valparaiso University.