A dean at the University of Georgia apologized after calling a Republican gubernatorial candidate a “nice guy” and receiving “racism” and “privilege”-related backlash on Twitter.
UGA journalism and mass communication dean Charles Davis congratulated Georgia politician Brian Kemp on winning the state’s GOP primary, but deleted the remark after backlash, according to Campus Reform.
“I went to high school with GOP guv candidate [Brian Kemp],” Davis said initially. “We played YMCA ball from childhood. Politics be damned. He is a nice guy, always was. Kind to a fault. He’s a friend, always has been, and will be when we’re old(er) and grey(er). That’s how all this should work, people.”
But users brought out the familiar buzzwords of “racism” and “privilege” to signal their contempt for the tweet. (RELATED: Employee Sues University Of Georgia Because It Wouldn’t Pay For Her Gender Transition Surgery)
“You’re a straight white man,” one user said. “Of course he was nice and kind to you. Racists are generally nice to their own kind. Why don’t you say what you really mean. Politics be damned. You’d never vote for a black woman and would much rather vote for the white racist.”
“I’d like to apologize to anyone offended by my tweet shout out to Brian Kemp,” the dean said three days later. “It was ill-timed and poorly written. I’ve read and learned so much from you all and will endeavor to be more thoughful [sic].”
Davis allegedly did not receive any pressure from UGA administrators or colleagues to apologize for the tweet, taking it down of his own volition, according to a statement from a UGA spokesman provided to Campus Reform.
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