University of Oregon employee on leave after telling Trump supporters to 'jump off of a f---ing bridge' in Instagram video
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A University of Oregon employee is on leave after posting an Instagram video suggesting that supporters of President-elect Donald Trump should kill themselves, as first reported by The Daily Emerald.
The employee, Leonard Serrato, is the university's assistant director of fraternity and sorority life.
In a video of the Instagram post, which was posted by The Daily Emerald, Serrato said, “I don’t care if we’ve been friends our entire lives, you can literally go f--- yourself if you voted for Donald Trump.”
Serrato continued, “If you are so sad about your groceries being expensive, get a better f---ing paying job. Do better in life. Get a f---ing education. Do something because you are f---ing stupid and I hope you go jump off of a f---ing bridge.”
In a statement to KOIN 6 News, University of Oregon spokesperson Eric Howald said, "The University of Oregon finds the statements made in the video abhorrent and not in alignment with our values or mission. We appreciate the conflict between his statements, his role in Student Life at the University, and our institutional values."
According to Howald, Serrato is on administrative leave as the university investigates the matter under the school's policies and his role as a public employee.
"As a public university we take our duty seriously to provide an environment that welcomes diversity of thought and respect in alignment with our education mission. While we investigate, we are providing support for concerned students and employees, including resources for mental and emotional health," Howald added, noting the post has been taken down.
KOIN 6 News reached out to Serrato. This story will be updated if we receive a response.