Education
La Crosse School Board candidate Sam Morris drops out of race, due to hateful comments on social media
La Crosse School Board candidate Sam Morris declared, this week, that he dropping out of the election due to hateful rhetoric in social media comments.
Morris, a 20-year Army veteran, pointed out “insensitive, hateful and homophobic” comments directed at him and his family as the reason for dropping out. He noted he was doing so with “much sadness, anger and frustration.”
You can read his full statement below, but Morris will still be on the primary ballot and could move on in the primary. If that happens, he will also still be on the April ballot, too.
Because of that, La Crosse School Board secretary and executive assistance Laura Steigerwald said, “Once ballot placement is secured, if a candidate no longer wishes to secure a seat, it is recommended that they spread the word as best as possible and to also encourage voters to vote for another candidate instead. “
You can read about the six candidates running and listen to their WIZM interviews here.
Only one will be removed after Tuesday’s election. Those candidates are:
- Jeff Jackson
- Merideth Garcia
- Molly Fuchs
- Joy Buchman
- Kevin Hundt
- Adam Hoffer
Sam Morris statement:
“Good day all. It is with much sadness, anger and frustration that I will no longer be pursuing a seat for the La Crosse School Board.
“My decision is in response to insensitive, hateful and homophobic social media comments directly targeting me and my family. When I decided to seek out a seat for the school board, I wanted to work with other community members to build upon the great work that has already been accomplished. However, given our country’s current political climate, and the weaponization of social media, I no longer have the desire to be involved with any type of elected office.
“I kindly request to all of those who voiced their support of me, to seek out other candidates that you feel will move our school board forward. Wisconsin law prevents an individual from being removed from ballots once they have been added. So I ask you all to consider one of the other amazing candidates who are running for a seat.
“Again, thank you to all of you for your love and support.”
Trane Joe
February 14, 2025 at 5:23 am
He dropped out because some people made him feel bad? What is that?
Annonymous
February 14, 2025 at 8:16 pm
He Dropped out because his family was being targeted. He’s a vet. He has thick skin.
nick
February 14, 2025 at 8:04 am
I am not on any social media so have no idea what he is talking about. I have no information on him and make no assumptions.
Background would have been nice. Shoddy piece of reporting.
Dylan
February 14, 2025 at 8:43 am
What a joke this community can be at times… From one army veteran to another, I know he personally has thick skin. When your family starts getting targeted what is the point. I completely understand his decision to protect his family and those around him.
The current political landscape in this country is horrible. You can’t even have conversations with people about issues without getting attacked no matter the side you represent. We need to come together as a community as a whole… We don’t hate our neighbors even if they disagree with us… This is what the media wants.. division
Bill
February 14, 2025 at 9:03 am
Sam says “vote for one of the other amazing candidates.”
That man is easily impressed.