QU self-reports “inappropriate” involvement in mayoral campaign

QUINCY — Quincy University President Brian McGee issued a statement Wednesday morning saying one of the college’s employees violated its policies regarding political activity.

McGee said an unnamed QU employee “wrongly agreed to ask the members of an athletic team to distribute campaign flyers favoring one of the mayoral candidates.”

The candidate was Linda Moore, who is running for mayor of Quincy as an independent against the incumbent, Republican Mike Troup. Moore is a 1981 QU graduate and currently an adjunct member of the faculty. She is also a former member of the school’s board of trustees.

Muddy River News has learned the employee in question was head football coach Jason Killday and he received a three-day suspension for the violation. QU officials would not comment further on the matter when asked for confirmation.

McGee’s statement said four other unnamed employees were also involved along with two QU vans that were used to take more than 50 student-athletes around the community to distribute flyers for Moore over the course of four days.

“Our campaign asked and received permission to approach students to distribute campaign materials,” Moore said in a statement. “Our intention was never to involve Quincy University as an institution. Upon
learning that university vehicles were engaged in the process, we will, without question, reimburse Quincy University for any expenses incurred. I believe in honesty and transparency and appreciate the opportunity to clarify the matter and provide context.”

QU’s policy is as follows:

As a tax-exempt organization, Quincy University is prohibited from sponsoring political events or activities. In addition, University funds may not be used to pay for an employee to attend a political event or activity. Failure to comply may result in the loss of the institution’s tax-exempt status and federal funding.
University sponsorship of political events is limited to debates, open forums which do not favor a particular candidate and/or party, or select press conferences, and are subject to Presidential approval. Political signs endorsing political candidates may not be placed on University property.
A political figure invited as a guest lecturer in an academic setting must appear in a non-candidate capacity and must refrain from any endorsement, explicit or implied, of a political campaign, candidate, or political party.

“The employee who authorized this inappropriate political activity wrongly considered this work to be community service and thought this service would teach students to be active in civic life,” the statement reads.  “Corrective actions have been and are being taken to ensure all parties understand their responsibilities as Quincy University employees.

“Quincy University has been and always will remain neutral in local, statewide and national election campaigns. While all QU employees retain their First Amendment rights as private citizens, all employees are obligated under University policy to ensure the political neutrality of the University.”

McGee also apologized “to those who deserved better from us.”

Troup said McGee offered equal time and effort to his campaign to offset the action. Troup said “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

“It’s unfortunate that my opponent made this error in judgment,” Troup said. “Someone who has been so involved with athletics, not-for-profits and QU should know they can’t take a position without putting them in jeopardy. It’s unfortunate she put them in that position. Linda owes QU an apology.”

QU officials would not comment about whether Killday or the other employees were aware of the policy, citing personnel codes, but the statement concluded with the following:

“QU employees with questions about our policies, including those on political activities, should always consult with their supervisors. New employee training dealing with QU policies on political activity will be available in the coming week.”