Oregon Action Team Campaign Manager Derek Nix resigned from his position as Student Senate administrative assistant Monday citing “repeated workplace harassment.”
“I am leaving my position with the ASUO effective immediately due to verbal conduct in my workplace that could reasonably be interpreted as an intent to cause professional harm to my position in the ASUO and worse, to my personal safety,” Nix wrote in his resignation letter.
He wrote that the harassment “culminated Thursday when Senator (Nate) Gulley threatened me with physical injury.”
Gulley denied threatening Nix with physical injury in an interview Tuesday.
“Absolutely not,” Gulley said. “That was a complete lie. But I think that during the last week he has proven himself to be a complete liar.”
Nix came under fire last week after a campaign missive he sent to Oregon Action Team candidates was leaked to senators.
In the e-mail, Nix told his candidates to come to campus wearing the color of the opposing Rock the Yellow slate and to write letters to the Emerald arguing against “special interest groups” on campus. He also wrote that the letters should be signed with false names.
Nix later apologized, saying, “I messed up with that e-mail. It was not professional whatsoever.”
At last Wednesday’s Senate meeting, Gulley said he had no confidence in Nix’ ability to continue in his position as administrative assistant. Sen. Nick Meyers said the e-mail was not related to Nix’ job duties and should not be discussed.
According to Nix’ resignation, the Senate Personnel Committee is investigating his concerns.