What we know about Rep. Alexander's sexual harassment allegations, his connection to FAMU
State Rep. Ramon Alexander, the incoming leader of the Florida House Democrats, has been accused by a former athletics employee at Florida A&M University of sexually harassing him, including groping him and sending sexually explicit video and photos of himself.
Alexander announced Thursday he is no longer running for a fourth term in District 8 after apologizing Monday, saying he was “sincerely sorry” for his actions. He refused to answer a series of questions from the Tallahassee Democrat, the first media outlet to investigate the allegations, including whether he groped or harassed the man.
In his statement, Alexander said he had a “consensual, adult relationship” with the former FAMU employee. However, the employee said the two did not have a physical relationship and that he rebuffed Alexander’s sexual advances.
The employee’s claims came to light after he filed a series of complaints with the university and the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
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What is the latest in the Alexander sexual harassment scandal?
State Rep. Ramon Alexander, D-Tallahassee, announced Thursday he will not run for a fourth term after all following reporting by the Tallahassee Democrat on sexual harassment allegations against him.
He announced his decision on on Twitter and Facebook on Thursday, two days after the Democrat detailed accusations against him by a former employee at Florida A&M University.
Alexander wrote that it was "a true honor" to take on critical issues affecting the state and nation and thanked constituents for their support.
"After thoughtful consideration and personal self reflection," Alexander said, "I will not seek re-election for my final term in the Florida House of Representatives."
Who is Ramon Alexander?
Alexander, a member of the Florida House of Representatives from Tallahassee, was in line to become the top Democratic leader. He headed up Florida House Victory, in charge of electing Democrats to House seats.
Alexander, 37, was elected in 2016 to the District 8 seat, which encompasses Gadsden County and a portion of Leon County. He is up for re-election this year, though he has not drawn an opponent.
He has been outspoken in calling out Florida Republican lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis over legislation banning the teaching of critical race theory. He has also seen his profile rise in recent months with appearances on CNN and MSNBC.
In addition to his political career, Alexander co-founded Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc., a nonprofit that helps minority and low-income high school students. He serves as executive director of the organization.
Alexander, who has been highly regarded in the African American community and Democratic Party circles, is married with two children.
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What is House Rep. Ramon Alexander accused of?
A former associate athletics director filed complaints in February with the Florida Commission on Human Relations alleging workplace harassment and whistleblower retaliation by high-ranking FAMU employees.
He claimed the university terminated him after he came forward with allegations of wrongdoing against an equipment manager and tried to work with a track coach he said had job performance issues. The track coach is a brother-in-law of Alexander, and the equipment manager was a friend, according to the alleged victim.
In his own words:
The accuser alleged that Alexander sent him sexually explicit messages over an encrypted app and nude photos and video of himself.
The former FAMU employee also accused Alexander of groping him on three occasions in 2020 and 2021.
What is his relationship with Florida A&M University?
Alexander earned a bachelor's degree at FAMU, where he studied political science and served as president of both the Student Senate and Student Government Association.
His SGA post also gave him a seat on FAMU's Board of Trustees in 2005 and 2006. He is also a past employee at Florida A&M University. His 2017 financial disclosure form shows he earned $50,000 for a job there.
Alexander has been one of FAMU's biggest cheerleaders in the Legislature, pushing for millions of dollars in funding over the years.
Marie Mattox, the lawyer for his accuser, said in an interview that Alexander exerts great influence at the university. His accuser said he routinely interfered in personnel and other matters.
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Is FAMU being sued?
The man who accused Alexander of sexual harassment filed two separate complaints with the Florida Commission on Human Relations. One alleged whistleblower retaliation over his termination; the other alleged workplace harassment.
Those complaints are confidential, though copies were provided to the Democrat by the man's lawyer. They are a likely prelude to a lawsuit against the university.
Has there been any political fallout from this?
Gov. Ron DeSantis' spokesperson, Christina Pushaw, has called attention to the allegations on social media and lambasted Democrats and members of the media for not immediately covering the story.
Democrats have been largely silent. A spokesman for Florida House Victory did not respond to an email from the Tallahassee Democrat. State Rep. Allison Tant, D-Tallahassee, did not respond to a phone call.
Initially, Democrats said they were waiting to hear from Alexander before making any changes in leadership.
Before announcing Alexander wouldn't run, House Democratic Leader Evan Jenne, D-Hollywood, issued a statement saying his thoughts were "with all those involved." But he said it would be "irresponsible" to comment with more specificity given the "sensitive and serious nature" of the allegations.
"We look forward to the completion of all necessary inquiries and will be able to comment further upon their release," Jenne said. "For now, we’re going to continue working for the people of Florida. There’s a homeowner’s insurance market collapse feeding an out-of-control housing crisis, and that’s what Floridians want and need us to focus on right now.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Rep. Ramon Alexander sexting accusations: Here's what we know
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