A Montana House candidate and post-doctoral fellow at Montana Technical University, Trenin Bayless, has been reappointed to his university position despite an investigation request by the state’s largest human rights organization. Concerns were raised due to Bayless’ alleged connections as an avowed white supremacist and neo-Nazi.
The Daily Montanan obtained a letter confirming Bayless’ reappointment through the end of 2024. The Montana Human Rights Network (MHRN) provided a dossier detailing Bayless’ social media activities, which was also sent to the university system.
Earlier in the summer, MHRN asked the Montana University System’s Board of Regents to investigate the claims and minimize Bayless’ student contact. Bayless has denied these connections, labeling the accusations as “nonsense” but declined to elaborate due to a potential lawsuit against MHRN.
Bayless, a Republican, is running in House District 74 against Democrat Marc Lee. The Montana Republican Party has not responded to requests for statements regarding Bayless’ candidacy. MHRN executive director Niki Zupanic reported no communication from Bayless or his attorneys since the organization’s public concerns.
After months of silence, both MHRN and the Daily Montanan reached out for updates. University officials acknowledged receiving the complaint but provided no details on any actions taken. Montana Tech’s HR head Vanessa Van Dyk emphasized the institution’s commitment to a discrimination-free environment.
Bayless’ reappointment, signed by Chancellor Les Cook, pays an annual salary of $60,240 and includes duties such as advising students and working in the Army Research Laboratory. His role, not tenure-track, depends on external research funding.
MHRN criticized the delayed response and inaction, emphasizing that Bayless’ online writings suggest efforts to infiltrate leadership positions. Zupanic questioned the university’s lack of response and transparency, advocating for Bayless’ removal from student interaction to prevent negative impacts.
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