Thomas, Jacobs, Gillen drop out of race
March 08, 2018 | News,
Brett Stover
MSA presidential candidates Blaine Thomas and Claire Jacobs, as well as vice presidential candidate Caius Gillen, withdrew from the race yesterday. This comes after the candidates received backlash for old tweets that included many examples of derogatory language.
Gillen released a statement on Twitter apologizing for his tweets.
“It’s come to my attention that some of my old tweets have resurfaced,” Gillen tweeted. “I deeply apologize for my offensive comments. These do not reflect my views or the views of More to Roar. I hope to re-gain your trust and prove I’m committed to creating an inclusive environment on campus.”
Julia Wopata, Gillen’s running mate, released a statement announcing that Gillen “removed himself” from the slate. Wopata will continue to run for for the office of MSA President.
Chad Johnson, who initially was running for vice president alongside Thomas, has not made any statements but his campaign’s Twitter handle has been changed to @JohnsonForMSA. Thomas released a statement on that account, withdrawing his candidacy.
“There’s no excuse for what I tweeted,” Thomas wrote. “I’m deeply sorry for those words and images. I was young and foolish and those tweets do not represent the man I am today. I ask forgiveness from anyone I have offended. I respectfully withdraw my candidacy for MSA President.”
Thomas Cater, who initially was running for vice president alongside Jacobs, released a statement today announcing that his candidacy for MSA President as well.
“I share the frustration of my fellow students and was entirely unaware of [Jacobs’] prior statements,” Cater wrote. “Under no circumstances can that type of language be tolerated, whether 6 days or 6 years ago.”