Baumgartner Applauds WSU for Firing Staff Over Assault of Student Wearing MAGA Hat: 'No Room for Political Violence on Campus'

WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement after Washington State University (WSU) fired Patrick Mahoney and Gerald Hoff for assaulting a local man for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat. 

"I’m pleased to see WSU take decisive action in this matter.,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “There is no room for political violence on college campuses. Our universities must be places where free expression and civil discourse are protected, not punished. Accountability is essential to preserving those values."

Background:

• Washington State University (WSU) terminated two staff members following an alleged assault on an engineering student, Jay Sani, who was wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat.
• Patrick M. Mahoney (34), a graduate student and instructor, and Gerald Hoff (24), a WSU staff member, have been charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree assault.
• Mahoney was relieved of all teaching responsibilities, but remains enrolled as a student at WSU.
• WSU's Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Phil Weiler, stated that while the university supports free speech, it will not tolerate violence or hate speech on campus.