Harvey Mudd Student Body President-Elect Recalled Following Racism Accusations

Students listen to remarks at the recall forum.

A recall campaign against the Harvey Mudd College’s student body President-elect has succeeded, with a simple majority of voters choosing to recall the President-elect and hold new elections. The recall was prompted by controversial remarks the President-elect made over a year ago, with the recall petition itself being filed by her opponent after he lost the election.

An email from ASHMC’s current leadership announced the result to the student body. “The recall for President-elect … has passed as the simple majority requirement has been met,” reads the announcement. “Please stay tuned for more information regarding the presidential election as there will be another call for candidates before another electors vote occurs.”

The recall effort generated significant controversy on Mudd’s campus, with the former President-elect facing accusations of racism and transphobia. Dorm presidents wielded email lists to campaign in favor of the recall while hostile posters took to Claremont’s anonymous social media forum, Fizz. Ahead of the recall vote, the former President-elect and her opponent were each allowed to give a 250-word statement to the student body, which they read aloud at a public forum on March 10.

Concurrently, the then President-elect alleged that ASHMC leadership had acted unconstitutionally in withholding mandated onboarding training from herself and her running mate, who was not even included in the recall. ASHMC leadership allegedly promised to amend the constitution to permit their actions retroactively.

“I respect the outcome of the recall and the decision of the student body,” the former President-elect wrote in a statement to the Independent. “At the same time, I am disappointed by how this process unfolded, particularly concerns about how it was administered and the extent to which misinformation shaped the process.”

The President-elect's running mate decided to resign two days before the recall vote closed, citing perceived hostility from current leadership. “I had medical tests blocked out for spring break, and since [current leadership] had delayed onboarding they were expecting me to work during the break,” the former running mate told the Independent. 

Looking ahead, the former President-elect said, “I hope there is reflection on how we engage with one another, particularly in moments of disagreement, and greater accountability moving forward…This experience has reinforced for me the importance of thoughtful leadership, clear communication, and community care… I wish my successor the very best in serving the student body, and ASHMC continued success in its future work.”

ASHMC has not yet called for new candidates or given a tentative date for elections. The former President-elect’s opponent did not respond to a request for comment.