An Alaska congressman stopped by a high school in his state Tuesday, and students and staff were less than charmed by his remarks.
Numerous witnesses say Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, 81, who has a history of having a temper and harsh attitude, acted in a disrespectful and offensive manner when speaking to students at Wasilla High School, according to the Alaska Dispatch News.
After using profanity and describing same-sex marriage as “bullshazzl,” Young made what were described as “hurtful and insensitive” statements about suicide just days after a Wasilla student took his own life.
The exchange at the student assembly wasn’t recorded, but several witnesses say the congressman — who is the longest-serving Republican in the House and Alaska’s lone representative — also used the words “a–hole” and “smarta–.”
He also said “hell” several times and told a story about flying to Paris to get drunk — when he was supposed to be discussing the amount of travel time involved with his job.
“In no way did Congressman Young mean to upset anyone with his well-intentioned message. In light of the tragic events affecting the Wasilla High School community, he should have taken a much more sensitive approach,” Young’s office said in a statement to Alaska Dispatch News.
Young wasn’t there as a candidate — he faces Democrat Forrest Dunbar in November’s election — but rather as a congressman, Wasilla Principal Amy Spargo said. His behavior irked her and everyone at the high school, she said.
Spargo is holding a staff meeting Wednesday. She doesn’t yet know if the school will take action in response to Young’s behavior.
