KENNESAW, Ga. -- Controversy is brewing over a report that Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens is taking over as Kennesaw State University’s new president.
During his time as attorney general, Olens has shown opposition to gay marriage and a directive to allow people who are transgender to use a bathroom of their choice.
Kennesaw State University, The Board of Regents, and Sam Olens are all keeping quiet, but Olens potentially taking over as KSU President has faculty and students worked up.
Especially people in the LGBTQ community.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle is reporting that Olens is set to take the job, but KSU, Olens, and The Board of Regents all issued “no comment” to 11Alive News.
Students though aren’t afraid to speak up.
“It literally terrifies me,” said Jessica Fisher, KSU Senior.
Fifth year senior and trans-woman Jessica Fisher is concerned.
“I think his politics are detrimental to trans-youth,” said Fisher.
Olens defended Georgia’s gay marriage ban and sued the federal government over the bathroom directive.
That’s why KSU alum Sarah Rose is planning a Monday rally and organizing a petition drive that already has more than 3,800 signatures.
“He has a long history of discriminating against transgender students in the state of Georgia,” said Sarah Rose, KSU alum.
KSU journalism professor Leonard Witt has issues with Olens and what he calls a secretive search for the university’s next president.
“When you select a president you do a national search and you get the entire university community involved in it, that’s students, that’s alumni, faculty, funders, community members.”
Those who are a part of the potential hire are silent, meanwhile Olens campaign website www.samolens.com no longer works.
That “Say No to Sam Olens” Rally is Monday at 12:00pm on the KSU campus.
Again, 11Alive News asked multiple times for comment from KSU, The Board of Regents, and Sam Olens himself.
They all said no.
