Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says he has turned down a fellowship at Harvard University following social media backlash over his administration's role in the Flint water crisis.
He tweeted Wednesday that being a senior research fellow would have been too "disruptive" because of "our current political environment and its lack of civility."
I have informed the HKennedy Sch that I am turning down its offer as Snr Res Fellow. It would have been exciting to share my experiences, both positive and negative; our current political environment and its lack of civility makes this too disruptive. I wish them the best.
— Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) July 3, 2019
Harvard announced last week that Snyder would begin his appointment this week. It drew criticism from critics of Snyder who cited his involvement in the 2014-15 lead contamination of Flint's drinking water while the city was under state emergency management.
Snyder, who is credited with helping to turn around Detroit, says it would have been exciting to share his experiences at Harvard, "both positive and negative."
The Republican left office in December due to term limits.
