U-M faculty: Ron Weiser 'cannot be an effective leader in our community' after comments Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press The faculty members join a chorus of others at the university and throughout the state blasting Weiser after he recently called Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson "witches" who should be "ready for the burning at the stake." During an Oakland County event last week, Weiser also referenced assassination while discussing U.S. Reps. Fred Upton and Peter Meijer, both Republicans who voted in favor of impeaching former President Donald Trump. All five lawmakers have faced death threats in recent months.