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DSU investigating illegal campaign ads

Delaware State University is investigating two employees allegedly involved in making 12 illegal political ads for the Kent County Republican Party.

Campaign finance records show the party paid DSU $2,400 for the videos last week, which the university can’t legally accept because of its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

On Thursday, the university’s top lawyer met with Kent County Republican official David Skocik, an adjunct faculty member at the school, who helped produce the videos on campus without the administration knowing it, according to emails obtained by Delaware Public Media.

The other individual involved is unknown.

An email from DSU lobbyist Victor Santos says the production “is a clear violation of University policy” and that it would’ve been “quickly rejected” had it gone through proper channels.

“We didn’t know about it. Once we found out about it, we launched an investigation. We’re continuing to review the matter. If any adverse actions are warranted, the university will proceed accordingly,” said Carlos Holmes a DSU spokesman.

DSU officials sent a cease and desist letter to Kent County Republican Chairman Hank McCann demanding the removal of the videos from their website, but as of Friday afternoon, all 12 videos were available to view.

“The bottom line is that no candidate reached out to the Administration or the leadership of the College out of which this video apparently emanated and, as such, this was not, in any way, activity authorized by the University,” Santos wrote.

It’s unclear what the university did with the $2,400 payment from the Kent County GOP, but Holmes says it will be repaid.

“The university is not going to accept any money for any partisan political activity that took place. That’s not going to happen. If there was money paid, money will be given back,” he said.

DSU’s media services are open for public use if school administrators approve a project

But any political campaign activity – through donations, in-kind contributions or statements of support – could lead the Internal Revenue Service to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status.

The videos feature McCann, gubernatorial candidate Colin Bonini, lieutenant governor candidate La Mar Gunn and Rep. Lyndon Yearick (R-Dover South), among other Republicans running for office.

When contacted, Bonini questioned the significance of the story, but says he doesn't want to cause trouble for the university.

"We don't want to do anything that's not approved. We, of course, don't under any circumstances think that Delaware State is taking any sides in politics and I don't think anybody believes that," he said.

Calls and an email seeking comment from McCann and Skocik weren’t immediately returned.