West Virginia University President Gordon Gee was seen shopping at a local CVS without wearing a mask on Monday.
Gee, who earlier this month admonished WVU students for not wearing masks, was caught by a Twitter user carrying his mask in his hand while shopping.
“Love seeing Gordon Gee out with no mask on,” the user sarcastically tweeted.
Love seeing Gordon Gee out with no mask on ????? pic.twitter.com/KpIkgjARmw
— Zaddy (@zslice6996) September 13, 2020
Shortly after the photos began to circulate, Gee took to Twitter himself to offer an apology.
“Earlier I was shopping and did not keep my mask on for the entirety of my time in the store,” Gee said. “As president, I must hold myself to the highest standards and set the very best example for our University. In this instance, I did not do that.”
Earlier I was shopping and did not keep my mask on for the entirety of my time in the store. As president, I must hold myself to the highest of standards and set the very best example for our University. In this instance, I did not do that.
— E. Gordon Gee (@gordongee) September 14, 2020
“As I have asked you to do the right things, so must you expect me to do the same. I apologize for the error in judgment and commit that it will not happen again,” Gee continued.
As I have asked you to do the right things, so must you expect me to do the same. I apologize for the error in judgment and commit that it will not happen again.
— E. Gordon Gee (@gordongee) September 14, 2020
Earlier this month, Gee wrote a letter to students after it was noticed that many were not following proper virus protocols upon their return to campus and specifically called on students to wear masks.
“With the opening of bars, it was anticipated our students who are of age would be patrons,” Gee said. “But the lack of following safety protocols — including not wearing masks or following physical distancing guidelines — is a flagrant disregard for our community’s safety, both the campus community and the city of Morgantown.”
