Hillsdale, Michigan

As someone from Michigan, hillsdale is the top place I am scared to visit as a minority. I would advise against lgbt, minorities, and solo women avoid this town. As of 2020, over 8k people live here, only 56 are black. 70% of people here voted for trump, 94% of the town identifies as white republicans. The college is known for refusing federal funding, including student aid, to avoid government regulations. It also has close ties to conservative politicians, frequently hosting figures like Clarence Thomas, Ron DeSantis, and others leading nearby maga supporters to this town. One thing I find suspicious about this town is that the crime rates are lower than the state and national average. In 2019 they reported 0 hate crimes and I don’t believe this could be true personally. Here are some things local police have done…

Sergeant Ronald Leggitt:
• Incident: In December 2021, while supervising operations at the Hillsdale County Jail, Sergeant Leggitt assaulted a female inmate by spraying her with pepper spray multiple times, even while she was restrained in an emergency restraint chair. Punishment was 2 months probation.

Deputy Todd Barkley:
• Incident: Barkley exploited his position by coercing a woman he had arrested into a sexual relationship. He traveled to Kentucky, used his badge to remove her from a treatment facility, and engaged in sexual activities with her.
Punishment was 3 months probation and 15 years on the RSO list. He was charged in 2023
Look into the history of this place and be cautious if you ever find yourself here.

30 years ago, Hillsdale courthouse was the site of a KKK recruitment rally. 4 years ago 100 mostly young people marched for blm, that is the picture I chose to use.