Arizona Rep. Jevin Hodge, D-Tempe, will no longer attend the USG-Downtown "Dinner with your Representatives."
Hodge stepped away from the event on the same day that an article from The Arizona Republic exposed George Washington University records that said Hodge violated its sexual violence and sexual misconduct policies during his time as a student.
The violations from 2015 were brought up again by a woman who says Hodge engaged in "unwelcome sexual contact," according to The Arizona Republic. Hodge was found "in violation" and was barred from university property, according to records found by The Republic.
Hodge released a statement responding to the article in which he "unequivocally" denied the allegations.
"In 2016, I requested that the police fully investigate these claims so the truth could come out," Hodge said in the statement. "My request was denied by the University."
READ MORE: Jevin Hodge appointed new representative for Legislative District 8
Hodge was appointed in late January to fill the Arizona House of Representatives Legislative District 8 seat by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, replacing Athena Salman. Hodge represents parts of Phoenix, Tempe, South Scottsdale and West Mesa.
Laura Doyle, the event lead for the "Dinner with your Representatives" event, said her team got a message saying Hodge would not be attending the event later today after the article was released.
"This morning, my team received an email from his team that he will regretfully not be making it today," said Doyle, a sophomore studying public service and public policy, in a written statement.
The event is still scheduled at the Downtown Post Office with Arizona Rep. Cesar Aguilar, D-Phoenix, for students.
Hodge did not respond to immediate requests to comment.
Editor's Note: This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Edited by Angelina Steel, Walker Smith and Shane Brennan
Reach the reporter at alysa.horton@gmail.com and follow @alysa_horton on X.
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Alysa is a senior studying journalism and mass communication with a minor in political science. This is her fifth semester with The State Press. She has also worked at The Arizona Republic.
