As Governor Maggie Hassan’s husband, Tom Hassan, makes FRONT PAGE news for poorly handling the controversy surrounding a former Phillips Exeter Professor who admitted to two instances of sexual misconduct, it’s worth remember that Mr. Hassan advises his wife on education.
Tom Hassan wrote in an opinion piece for the New York Times, “I have incorporated my own work as an educator into my role as First Gentleman.” In fact, when Mr. Hassan retired from his role of Principal from Phillips Exeter he said it was in part to focus more time on his wife’s career noting, “I find myself drawn to a new chapter in increasing my support of Maggie’s work as New Hampshire Governor.”
These statements contradict the sentiment behind what the Hassan campaign told media last week when they said that the Governor and her husband “strive to maintain the confidentiality of their respective jobs.”
The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse said the excuse of privacy “can’t be used as a shield.”
Stakeholders across New England, including an editorial in the New Hampshire Union Leader, are calling on Maggie Hassan to explain what she knew, and when.
It’s time for Maggie Hassan to come clean.
BACKGROUND:
-
Tom Hassan Wrote An Opinion Piece In The New York Times, Saying “I Have Incorporated My Own Work As An Educator Into My Role As First Gentleman.” “As we see more women across the country elected as governor — and possibly president — Americans should expect that first gentlemen, like first ladies, will be highly engaged in supporting the priorities that matter most to them, to their partners and to their state and country. Throughout most of my wife’s term as governor of New Hampshire, I was the principal of a boarding school until retiring last year to head an organization that promotes study abroad. While it was important for me to continue my professional career, I also wanted to be sure to support my wife, Maggie, and carve out a role for myself as first gentleman. I focused my efforts on initiatives to promote volunteerism and community service in the state. I have incorporated my own work as an educator into my role as first gentleman, visiting schools throughout the state to highlight the importance of helping students develop the skills and critical thinking they will need for success in today’s and tomorrow’s global economy.” (Tom Hassan, Opinion, “Help Your Elected Spouse Serve the People,” The New York Times, 3/9/16)
-
Tom Hassan Highlighted His Role As An Adviser To Maggie Hassan’s STEM Task Force. “I also serve as an adviser to the governor’s STEM task force to explore ways to modernize how we teach students science, technology, engineering and math.” (Tom Hassan, Opinion, “Help Your Elected Spouse Serve the People,” The New York Times, 3/9/16)
-
In 2015, Tom Hassan Retired As Exeter’s Principal In Part To Focus More Time On His Wife’s Political Career, Saying “‘I Find Myself Drawn To A New Chapter In Increasing My Support Of Maggie’s Work As New Hampshire Governor.” “Phillips Exeter Academy Principal Thomas Hassan is retiring at the end of the 2014-2015 academic year to focus more time on his family and his wife’s political career. Hassan is the husband of Gov. Maggie Hassan. ‘As you all know, Maggie and I balance two large jobs with significant and unique family commitment,’ Hassan said in a letter to the school’s trustees. ‘I find myself drawn to a new chapter in increasing my support of Maggie’s work as New Hampshire governor. In addition, our son, Ben, will require our support and attention in the coming years.’” (Aaron Sanborn, “PEA Principal Hassan To Step Down Next Year,” SeacoastOnline, 7/2/14)
- Tom Hassan On Retiring As Principal: “‘Maggie And I Cherish The Many Friendships We Have Made Here Over These Years, And We Look Forward To Maintaining Our Bond With The Exeter Family.” “Hassan said in his letter to trustees that he is energized for his final year as principal and is thankful for the opportunity that was given to him. ‘I could not be more grateful for having had the chance to collaborate and work with such an extraordinary faculty and staff and with some of the finest students in the world,’ he said. ‘Maggie and I cherish the many friendships we have made here over these years, and we look forward to maintaining our bond with the Exeter family.’” (Aaron Sanborn, “PEA Principal Hassan To Step Down Next Year,” Seacoastonline, 7/2/14)