For my entire career in the Georgia General Assembly, I have focused
on helping people, protecting families, and helping to build a strong
economy for my constituents and the people of the state.
I have used the Constitution of the United States as a guiding principle
in my ideology, my votes and on issues that I confront in the
legislature.
Two of those guiding principles are the Rule of Law and Due Process,
especially as it relates to the important matter of abuse on college
campuses.
Let me be clear: my first priority is helping those young women who
have been assaulted and abused. That is why I think these matters
should be dealt with by law enforcement, not dysfunctional
administrative courts in colleges or universities. This is very serious
and needs to be treated in a serious way.
At the same time, young men who are accused of assaulting women
should have due process just like every other American citizen.
Legally, there is still a presumption of innocence in this country. We
can protect that sacred principle while also protecting women who
have been assaulted.
In regards to emails to individuals at Regents institutions, holding them
accountable is a big part of my job as a legislator and Chair of Higher
Education. I make no apologies in trying to protect women from those
who assault them after these administrative courts have released them
in our communities. These so-called courts are, in fact, violating
constitutional rights protected to every citizen. I will continue to
advocate to reform Georgia policy on this important issue.
I have never threatened funding to any higher education institution. I
am doing my job for the taxpayers of Georgia by pointing out abuses,
not threatening funding.
As for my legislative record, my constituents have supported me for
more than 30 years, and I’m very proud of my record.
Many groups and leaders in Georgia, including a majority of the people,
have celebrated due process proposals including law enforcement,
prosecutors, and victim advocates, even those wrongly accused.
In regard to the matter involving the president of Kennesaw State
University, I clearly communicated my views as an individual, which is

 my right and which reflected the strong majority of the people in my
district. First and foremost, I am elected to represent my constituents.