Vanderbilt Assistant Football Coach Takes ‘Step Back’ After Pro-Kanye West Tweet

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Vanderbilt defensive back football coach Dan Jackson has announced he’s taking a “step back” from the team after backlash regarding a pro-Kanye West tweet earlier this week.

West has been under fire this past month and has lost major sponsors over antisemitic comments made on social media and in interviews. His comments led the the suspension of both his Twitter and Instagram.

Jackson posted support on social media for West, stating that he is “two steps ahead of everyone else.” He has since deleted the post and issued an apology where he says, “To be clear, antisemitism has no place in our society, and I reject all forms of hate.”

Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee made a statement regarding Jackson’s post and said that there will be an internal review regarding the situation.

The statement reads:

“There have been several questions and concerns expressed about a recent comment made by our defensive backs coach, Dan Jackson, on social media. As a department we understand and hear very clearly how this situation has impacted members of our community and those outside of Vanderbilt. Our internal review of the matter began immediately over the weekend, and I now want to provide an update.

“To be clear, Vanderbilt rejects antisemitism, racism and discrimination in all its forms. Consistent with Vanderbilt’s process for addressing reports of discrimination, the matter has now been referred to our Equal Opportunity and Access office for review. It is important the university follow its standard process and conduct a thorough review of the complexities of this incident. Coach Jackson and I have agreed that he will step back from his responsibilities with the team during the Equal Opportunity and Access office’s review.”

Head coach Clark Lea also made a statement regarding Jackson, saying, “It is important the university follow its standard process and conduct a thorough review of the complexities of this incident.”

Steven Boero
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