Quinnipiac University President John Lahey apologizes for May Weekend remarks
April 29, 2015
Four days after making a surprise appearance at an off-campus party in celebration of May Weekend, Quinnipiac University President John Lahey has issued an apology to Hamden town officials.
“Last Saturday, I attended five student events on and off campus, including the Senior Awards Ceremony, the Undergraduate Awards Ceremony, a University baseball game, a student veteran organization barbecue, and on my way home in the early afternoon, at the invitation of some graduating seniors, I made a brief appearance at their off-campus house party,” Lahey said in a statement.
“In speaking to students at the house party, and in an obvious but ill-advised attempt to be humorous with them, I unfortunately made light of what is clearly a serious matter with respect to off-campus student housing in Hamden. I deeply regret having made these remarks, for which I sincerely apologize. I have already personally conveyed this apology to Interim Mayor Jim Pascarella and renewed my commitment to work with him and town officials to resolve these longstanding student housing issues in the immediate future.”
Video of Lahey speaking at the party went viral locally, with some of his comments angering locals and township officials. Hamden and Quinnipiac have been at odds over multiple issues over the past several years, with off-campus housing being at the center of recent controversy.
“I didn’t even know this street existed,” Lahey said in the video. “I’m going to have to buy all these houses. I’ve got all of New Road and most of Whitney Avenue but I didn’t realize you’re kind of tucked away back here.”
Pascarella gave comment to the New Haven Register Wednesday, expressing his displeasure with the incident.
“Our goal in town/gown relations is to discourage this type of behavior in residential neighborhoods,” Pascarella told the Register. “I am disappointed and concerned that this action is sending the wrong message on a variety of issues.
The Quinnipiac Chronicle detailed personal accounts of the party Thursday, including residents on the street.
