The College of Lake County (CLC) Student Government Association (SGA) addressed harassing and discriminatory messages from an unsanctioned group chat leaked April 23 in a statement posted on Instagram at 11:23 a.m.
SGA President Gwendolyn Thommes reassured the student body of SGA’s commitment to supporting the safety and success of students moving forward.
“SGA is deeply remorseful for the harm caused by these actions and is determined to ensure nothing like this occurs again,” Thommes said.
An internal investigation was launched immediately after SGA became aware of the unsanctioned chat, according to the statement. Those found to have engaged in misconduct were removed from their positions and are no longer affiliated with SGA.
The three members removed as a result of the chat were Chief of Staff Nikko Colen, Secretary Joseph “Joey” Penge and Chairman of Policy Caesar Vela-Mesta.
In addition, SGA said a separate report unrelated to the chat led to the removal of Treasurer Ammad Ahmed, who was found responsible for posting inappropriate content on a personal social media profile.
Ahmed said he was disappointed to be removed and unable to finish his work as treasurer, but he accepts SGA’s decision and acknowledges his poor judgement. He added that, as a Muslim student, he was saddened by the contents of the group chat, which led him to reflect more deeply on his own digital footprint.
“Even though my posts were not targeted at any individual or CLC student like in the group chat…jokes that may seem harmless between friends can still impact others,” Ahmed said. “This is a learning step on how student leaders should be and I have learned from my mistakes and I am working to become a better leader moving forward.”
Colen, Penge, and Vela-Mesta could not be reached for comment.
SGA stated the four members will not receive stipends for their roles following their removal.
In an interview with The Chronicle, SGA Adviser and Student Organization Outreach & Programs Coordinator Mariel Lopez-Cruz said that Student Activities and Inclusion (SAI) will institute rigorous harassment training going forward for SGA and all clubs and organizations at CLC.
“We will continue to strive to be a safe and supportive space for students and an organization that upholds the values of CLC..”
SGA President Gwendolyn Thommes
To increase oversight, Lopez-Cruz said SAI is considering creating student club Canvas pages and transitioning all communications for clubs and organizations to those platforms. However, they emphasized that students will still be held accountable for unofficial communications.
“Per the Student Rights and Responsibilities Procedures, if they do create unsanctioned chats they are still liable for what they say,” Lopez-Cruz said.
Thommes closed the statement by reaffirming that SGA’s purpose remains focused on representation, advocacy, leadership opportunities, equity, education and service to the student body.
“We will continue to strive to be a safe and supportive space for students and an organization that upholds the values of CLC while representing our students with accountability and respect.”
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