Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!
— Jaden McNeil (@McNeilJaden) June 25, 2020
Kansas State University President Richard Myers has released a statement condemning a recent tweet from America First Students Campus President Jaden McNeil about George Floyd.
Myers’ statement reads “The insensitive comments posted by one K-State student hurts our entire community. These divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university. We condemn racism and bigotry in all its forms.”
On Thursday McNeil, a junior at Kansas State and in his Twitter bio states that he is “President and Founder of America First Students” which says they are a “Student Organization for strong borders, traditional families, the American worker, and Christian values.”, tweeted: “Congrats to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”
Don’t do meth and fentanyl if you have heart problems. That’s not racism, just common sense! https://t.co/LmW6lGYw9g
— Jaden McNeil (@McNeilJaden) June 26, 2020
The post has received backlash from a number of student athletes. Myers says the university is launching an immediate review of the university’s options.
Myers, Athletic Director Gene Taylor and Vice President of Student Life Thomas Lane have all condemned the actions of Mr. McNeil.
A message from President Richard Myers:
The insensitive comments posted by one K-State student hurts our entire community. These divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university. We condemn racism and bigotry in all its forms.
— K-State (@KState) June 26, 2020
Recent tweets from a K-State student downplaying the Black Lives Matter effort and the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd are disgusting and totally inappropriate and not reflective of who we are as a University or our Athletic Department.
— Gene Taylor (@KSTATEADGT) June 26, 2020
I’m aware of the Twitter posting by a K-State student. The lack of basic decency and care for how this post would impact others, especially our Black students, faculty, & staff already emotionally hurting from recent incidents of anti-Black violence is shameful and appalling.
— Thomas Lane (@ThomasALane) June 26, 2020