One of Arizona’s newest lawmakers was suspended from George Washington University almost a decade ago after a disciplinary panel found he violated the school’s sexual misconduct policies.
Documents obtained by The Arizona Republic back up allegations that university officials found Democratic state Rep. Jevin Hodge to have violated conduct standards at the Washington, D.C.-based school in 2015. In proceedings with the university’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the victim described the incident as a consensual encounter that turned into unwanted sexual contact.
Hodge denied the allegations then and now. In a statement released Monday, Hodge said he stopped when he was asked to stop.
“I unequivocally deny the allegations made against me. In 2016, I requested that the police fully investigate these claims so the truth could come out. My request was denied by the university,” said Hodge, who was appointed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to the Arizona House in January,
The victim also told The Republic that attorneys for Hodge threatened to sue her for defamation if she refused to drop her complaint with the university and sign a nondisclosure agreement.
Democratic leadership in the House said in a statement that they’ll meet with Hodge and gather more information before taking action.
“Our caucus will always stand with and support survivors of sexual violence. It was disturbing to learn about the accusations and university disciplinary actions involving Rep. Hodge from 10 years ago, which had not been previously disclosed to our caucus,” Democratic leaders said.
Officials at George Washington University did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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