Following a very public social media controversy, Harvard University has rescinded its acceptance of conservative activist Kyle Kashuv. The Parkland school shooting survivor previously worked for Turning Point USA as a high school outreach coordinator. Kashuv recently resigned from the organization citing his upcoming college career. He was publicly praised following his announcement of acceptance into Harvard.
According to Kashuv’s Twitter posts, Harvard requested further explanation from the teen following the viral release of text messages purporting to show Kashuv and other students engaged in language containing racial slurs. The texts were released in what appeared to be a smear campaign targeting Kyle Kashuv. Despite providing a response and further elaboration, Harvard Admissions committee voted to rescind acceptance and rejected further appeal.
After a previous media whirlwind, Kashuv addressed the controversial messages by releasing a statement acknowledging he had used the ’n word’ in a private chat group with other “immature” high school students. He also pointed out he was only 16-years-old at the time and referenced the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting as a turning point in his life.
Activists from across political spectrums petitioned Harvard to rescind Kashuv’s acceptance over the years-old comments, citing high school students being admitted based upon character shown while still in high school. Others defended the teen saying kids shouldn’t be held to account for harmful statements made in jest. Kashuv has repeatedly asserted that while irresponsible and offensive, the comments were made in a joking manner.
