Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.

USG-T President DoVico responds to claims of alleged misconduct

DoVico responds to former Chief of Staff Kirschbaum's claims of misconduct with a nine-paged memorandum, denying "unfounded and slanderous allegations"

dovico-usg-follow-up.png

The Palm Walk Overpass is pictured at dusk on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Additional illustrated elements added on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. 


In a memorandum sent on Tuesday to Undergraduate Student Government Tempe members and advisors, as well as State Press staff, USG-T President Mason DoVico stated allegations brought forth by former USG-T Chief of Staff Cayla Kirschbaum and other USG-T members were baseless and defamatory. 

DoVico stated that, on Jan. 9, he confronted Kirschbaum about her failure to complete tasks assigned to her as the chief of staff. These concerns, DoVico wrote, were from directors, senators and the Executive Council. 

DoVico provided multiple examples such as Kirschbaum's alleged failures to plan the Spring 2025 Officer Training, the ASU-USG-T Family Weekend Event, internal government events, University room reservations and director meetings in his memorandum. He stated these consistent failures showed her inability to fulfill her role as the chief of staff for USG-T.

He wrote that Kirschbaum allegedly attempted to blackmail him into extending her tenure by threatening to report fabricated campaign discussions. He also stated his decision to dismiss her as chief of staff "was based solely on her failure to meet the expectations of her position and her unprofessional conduct during these meetings."

This is in reference to meetings held on Jan. 23 and 24, where DoVico states he, the assistant dean of students, the USG-T adviser and Kirschbaum discussed her "performance deficiencies." 

"During this meeting, we reiterated our concerns regarding her performance and trustworthiness, emphasizing the necessity of having a reliable Chief of Staff to support the responsibilities of Student Body President and the entire government," DoVico wrote.

He also stated Kirschbaum never raised allegations of "sexual misconduct, harassment, or a hostile work environment," and instead only remarked on consulting a lawyer to explore Title VI protections. 

READ MORE: Breaking: USG-Tempe President facing possible impeachment after alleged misconduct

In response to Kirschbaum's allegations, DoVico released what he said were screenshots of documented communication between him and other USG-T members, including Kirschbaum. The documentation showed informal messages of Kirschbaum and DoVico discussing possible romantic relations between members of USG-T. Other messages included a group chat of USG-T members talking about underage drinking and expressing worry that the Tempe Dean of Students Lance Harrop was included on the group chat and would be able to see the comments. In another message in the group chat a racial slur was used by one USG-T member.

Kirschbaum said she was advised not to discuss specific allegations due to an ongoing University investigation being performed by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities


This memo was emailed to The State Press as a formal statement from USG-Tempe President Mason DoVico on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in regards to allegations related to misconduct during his tenure as president.


DoVico wrote his perspective on "Possible Big XII Student Government Conference Allegations" that he felt compelled to address, stating that accusations could likely be raised by other members, besides Kirschbaum, within the government. 

DoVico stated that during a trip to Ames, Iowa for the Big XII Student Government Conference, an arrangement was made for a hotel room with two beds and a couch for Kirschbaum, DoVico and Senate President William Hanson. The business office booked a room without a couch instead, in which "Senate President Hanson occupied one bed, while Ms. Kirschbaum and I shared the other, an arrangement we mutually agreed upon."

No objections were made regarding the living situation for the five-day event and Kirschbaum "voluntarily participated," DoVico wrote.

"No one compelled her to attend, to board the plane, or to accept the shared accommodations," DoVico stated. "At the time, all parties expressed no dissatisfaction with the arrangements or raised concerns."

DoVico stated that these accusations were circulated by "others within our government." He stated he encourages a review of all documentation and communications surrounding the matter to "substantiate the professional and consensual nature of the arrangements."

Within the statement, DoVico called action to "dismiss the baseless allegations" and hold Sen. Hayden Darst, a W.P. Carey senator and the USG-T chairman of the University Affairs committee, accountable, who DoVico said is in violation of three USG-T bylaws. On Monday, Darst emailed members of USG-T and administration that he intended to pursue USG-T Supreme Court action and potential impeachment against DoVico.

"We're currently working internally through the situation," James Driscoll, a senator from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said in an emailed response to The State Press. "There are a lot of people affected, but we have a good team working on this, making sure we follow correct USG-T procedure."

DoVico wrote that Darst and Kirschbaum are weaponizing accusations of misconduct against him to further their "political aspirations" and in an attempt to defame DoVico's administration.

In a statement to The State Press, Kirschbaum said, "Mason is trying to shift the focus away from his misconduct. He is spreading falsehoods about supposed performance issues that are provable, untrue, and documentation has been given to ASU for the investigation."

This story is developing and may be updated.

Edited by Andrew Dirst, Abigail Beck, Alexis Heichman and Katrina Michalak. 


Reach the reporters at sjames51@asu.edu and gheadle@asu.edu and follow @sennajames_ and @George_Headley7 on X.

Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X. 


Senna JamesCommunity Editor

Senna is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication with a minor in Spanish. This is her third semester with The State Press. 


George Headley Politics Editor

George is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is his third semester with The State Press. He has also worked at Times Media Group.


Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.

Subscribe to Pressing Matters



×

Notice

This website uses cookies to make your experience better and easier. By using this website you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.