FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2021

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In reports from The Hoya and The Voice today, the Blass-Sanchez campaign learned of Olivia Kleier and Jon Pejo’s decision to suspend their Georgetown University Student Association (GUSA) presidential campaign over plagiarism allegations. Nile Blass and Nicole Sanchez learned of the allegations on February 12, when The Voice reached out to the campaign for a comment.

 

On the evening of February 14, ahead of their decision to suspend their campaign, Kleier and Pejo reached out to the Blass-Sanchez campaign to request a meeting with Blass and Sanchez. Due to prior commitments on February 14, Blass and Sanchez were unable to attend a meeting with Kleier and Pejo. However, both candidates take these allegations and the subject of the meeting very seriously.

 

Blass-Sanchez campaign Communications Director Aida Ross met with Kleier and Pejo over Zoom to discuss the allegations as a representative of the candidates. The meeting was a neutral space for both parties to express their positions, and all parties emphasized and agreed on the importance of open communication between the campaigns.

 

In light of recent events, Blass and Sanchez stated, “We are still processing our feelings about the events during this time. Since Aida’s meeting with Olivia and Jon, we have not had the opportunity to debrief as a full staff, and hope to do that soon, as we recognize the importance of action at this time.”

 

“As we’ve emphasized in all aspects of our campaign thus far, we are running to be President and Vice President of GUSA because we are committed to working with Georgetown communities and leveraging our experiences to make our campus a better place. Every platform we released is a reflection of the work we have put into activism on campus, and in collaboration with our fellow community members,” Blass and Sanchez continued. 

The campaign hopes to move forward and center the remainder of the campaign season on the policies Blass and Sanchez will implement if elected.