WASHINGTON (TND) — The president of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia has apologized for liking controversial tweets related to COVID-19 vaccines and transgender procedures for minors following strong public backlash.
In a message sent Sunday to the school community, the private university's CEO, Joseph Cacchione, called President Dr. Mark Tykocinski's Twitter activity "careless."
"At his level, he is held to a higher standard and should have known better," Cacchione said.
His note to students, faculty and employees came after the Philadelphia Inquirer published an article over the weekend calling Tykocinski out for "liking" a litany of tweets that questioned the efficacy and side effects of COVID vaccines and criticized gender reassignment surgery for minors.
AccompanyingCacchione's message to the university community was an apology from the university president who has reportedly worked at Jefferson for 16 years.Tykocinski is also a Yale-educated molecular immunologist.
"I regret my lack of understanding of how 'liking' a tweet is an implied endorsement," Tykocinski later told The Inquirer. "I also regret how my lack of understanding of the Twitter platform caused some to question my views on these complex issues."
Tykocinski said in his apology that he does not believe vaccines are harmful and indicated that all his family members have been vaccinated, The Inquirer reported.
"I understand that my lack of knowledge of the Twitter platform created questions and unintentionally offended many,"Tykocinski added in his apology message. "Please be assured this will be a learning experience, and I will grow as a person and professional from this misstep."
A spokesperson for the university reportedly told The Inquirer that it plans on using this situation as a "teaching moment" about "the understanding, impact, and prudent use of social media."
The chair of the Thomas Jefferson University board of trustees,Patricia Wellenbach, also added this week that the board is aware of the ongoing circumstances surroundingTykocinski's social media activity and is giving the matter "the board's full attention."
"I, and the board of trustees, have complete confidence in [Cacchione], and the management team who are thoughtfully managing the situation while continuing to remain focused on our mission to serve our community every day," Wellenbach said, according to The Inquirer.
The National Desk (TND) reached out to Thomas Jefferson University repeatedly for comment, but did not hear back prior to publication. TND also reached out to Tykocinski, but did not immediately hear back.
If any responses are received, this story will be updated.
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