Kyle Kashuv won’t be going to Harvard after all. The Parkland, Florida student posted on his Twitter account this morning that the ivy league school has decided to rescind his acceptance after old texts and comment surfaced that were racist in nature.
Kashuv apologized for the remarks, but apparently that wasn’t sufficient for the school.
“Harvard rescinded my acceptance. Three months after being admitted to Harvard Class of 2023, Harvard has decided to rescind my admission over texts and comments made nearly two years ago, months prior to the shooting. I have some thoughts. Here’s what happened,” Kashuv tweeted.
1/ THREAD: Harvard rescinded my acceptance.
Three months after being admitted to Harvard Class of 2023, Harvard has decided to rescind my admission over texts and comments made nearly two years ago, months prior to the shooting.
I have some thoughts. Here’s what happened.
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 17, 2019
2/ A few weeks ago, I was made aware of egregious and callous comments classmates and I made privately years ago – when I was 16 years old, months before the shooting – in an attempt to be as extreme and shocking as possible.
I immediately apologized.
Here is my apology: pic.twitter.com/eI38ziiQE8
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 17, 2019
He says the time after the comments broke was difficult for him and that former political opponents began advocating to Harvard that his admission be withdrawn.
4/ After the story broke, former peers & political opponents began contacting Harvard urging them to rescind me. Harvard then sent this letter stating that Harvard "reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission" and requested a written explanation within 72 hours. pic.twitter.com/RfEQCvjgDX
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 17, 2019
6/ I also sent an email to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to seek guidance on how to right this wrong and work with them once I was on campus. pic.twitter.com/3M1UEXXeQm
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 17, 2019
8/ Somewhat ironically, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion sent me this response regarding my apology:
“Thank you for your email. We appreciate your thoughtful reflections and look forward to connecting with you upon your matriculation in the fall of 2020…" pic.twitter.com/YUX67QW3KE
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 17, 2019
When he asked if he could talk with them face to face, his meeting request was denied.
10/ Harvard deciding that someone can’t grow, especially after a life-altering event like the shooting, is deeply concerning. If any institution should understand growth, it’s Harvard, which is looked to as the pinnacle of higher education despite its checkered past.
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 17, 2019
12/ I believe that institutions and people can grow. I've said that repeatedly.
In the end, this isn’t about me, it's about whether we live in a society in which forgiveness is possible or mistakes brand you as irredeemable, as Harvard has decided for me.
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 17, 2019
Kashuv says he’s still figuring out what to do next.
13/ So what now? I’m figuring it out.
I had given up huge scholarships in order to go to Harvard, and the deadline for accepting other college offers has ended.
I’m exploring all options at the moment.
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 17, 2019
Earlier this year Kashuv stepped down as Turning Point USA Director of High School Outreach. He’s been an outspoken advocate for the Second Amendment despite being a victim of the Parkland shooting.