The UMass Amherst student newspaper reported late last week that the College Democrats of Massachusetts is accusing Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse of inappropriate online contact to use “his position of power for romantic or sexual gain” and of sexual relations with college students.
According to the Boston Globe, Morse “taught a course on urban government and politics during seven semesters over five years” at UMass Amherst. UMass, the Globe reports, is investigating the allegations of the student organization.
An Aug. 7 letter to Morse’s office from the college student wing of the state Democratic party stated they were cutting their support for the 31-year-old mayor and current candidate for US Congress in the upcoming Sept. 1 primary, outlining their complaints, according to The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, as such:
The first issue alleges that Morse regularly matched with students on dating apps, including Tinder and Grindr, who were as young as 18 years old. These students included members of the College Democrats of Massachusetts, UMass Amherst Democrats and other groups in the state.
The second issue, “Using College Democrats events to meet college students and add them on Instagram, adding them to his ‘Close Friends’ story and DMing them, both of which have made young college students uncomfortable,” according to the letter.
“We have heard countless stories of Morse adding students to his ‘Close Friends Story’ and Direct Messaging members of College Democrats on Instagram in a way that makes these students feel pressured to respond due to his status,” the letter read.
The third issue: “Having sexual contact with college students, including at UMass Amherst, where he [has taught], and the greater Five College Consortium.”
Acknowledging consensual relationships with students, Morse said in a statement, “As I’ve become more comfortable with myself and my sexuality, like any young, single, openly gay man, I have had consensual adult relationships, including some with college students. I want to be clear — every relationship I’ve had has been consensual. However, I also recognize that I have to be cognizant of my position of power.”
“Navigating life as both a young gay man and an elected official can be difficult,” he said, “but that doesn’t excuse poor judgment. That’s why I want to sincerely apologize to anyone I have made feel uncomfortable.”
Morse announced on Aug. 10 he is staying in his race for Congress.
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