Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) stepped down from the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation Board of Directors on Thursday amid backlash over his appointment.

"The CMA Foundation has accepted former Gov. Mike Huckabee's resignation from its Board of Directors, effective immediately,"Amber Williams, vice president of CMA's communications and talent relations, said in a statement, according to the Tennessean.

Huckabee's resignation comes just one day after he was appointed to the role, and follows vocal opposition to his election from some CMA members over his opposition to LGBTQ rights.

The co-president of Monument Records and owner of Sandbox Entertainment, Jason Owen, said Huckabee's appointment was a "grossly offensive decision," while CMA member Whitney Pastorek called it disappointing.

"What a terrible disappointment to see [the CMA Foundation's] mission clouded by the decision to align with someone who so frequently engages in the language of racism, sexism, and bigotry," Pastorek told CMA executives, according to the Tennessean.

The CMA Foundation is the CMA's charity and is dedicated to promoting country music education programs in the U.S.

The foundation has put $20 million into 84 programs in the U.S. public school system.

CMA Board member Joe Galante said Huckabee was elected because of his gubernatorial experience in Arkansas.

"Gov. Huckabee led an impressive administration while serving the state of Arkansas and his policy experience with education reform is something we are fortunate to be able to learn from," Galante said.