Doug Hartz student body president

A former SafeRide employee threatened Student Body President Doug Hartz in his office Friday, UAPD reports stated.

Ronnie Gammage, an undeclared sophomore, was fired from SafeRide on Feb. 20. Hartz said that he had nothing to do with the termination and had no idea why Gammage was let go. But he was told by SafeRide officials that when Gammage was fired, he became angry and made a scene, reports stated.

Hartz met with Gammage on Feb. 21. to discuss the situation. At that time, Gammage angrily claimed he had been mistreated and fired for racial reasons, Hartz told University of Arizona Police Department.

He described the meeting with Gammage as "an animated discussion," during which Gammage requested a hearing regarding his termination. He told Hartz if he didn't get his way, someone was going to get hurt, reports stated.

Hartz said that he considered the statement a threat and filed a complaint with UAPD. Gammage initially acknowledged making the comment, citing the attention the incident has been given as racially motivated.

"A nigga threatened a cracker and now you want to print it," Gammage said.

"There was a misunderstanding," Gammage said. "But there was no threat."

Neither Hartz nor SafeRide Director Sharjeel Durrani would comment on the incident, calling it "a personnel issue." However, Hartz did verify the accuracy of the "majority" of the police report.

Gammage denied being fired by SafeRide, but said that he no longer works with the program, which Durrani confirmed. Gammage also said that he and Hartz have worked out the issue.

"I feel safe in my office," Hartz said.

Difficult situations and uncomfortable interactions are part of the job when working with students in his position, Hartz said.