On Sunday, April 17, new information was published from a rambling and inflammatory email sent by SSU President Judy Sakaki’s husband, Patrick McCallum, defending his behavior to “friends and family.” On Monday morning, President Sakaki announced she would be separating from McCallum, her spouse of around seven years.

The lengthy email released by The Press Democrat, was McCallum’s first public response since the allegations were brought to light. In it, amid many typographical errors, McCallum claimed lawyers had lifted the restrictions that were keeping both him and Sakaki from speaking out and sharing their sides of the story. 

“When we first arrived I totally missed that a president spouse is perceived to have more power and influence that i had and I should of acted like i do with my staff or in a professional setting rather than feeling as a volunteer . I interacted with staff and students as if they were my friends. Judy would hug everybody and after they hug Judy they would hug me. I am curious, outgoing , big personality , and had excitement as being a volunteer to help Judy and the campus (sic),” wrote McCallum. 

In the email, McCallum denied the allegations brought against him and claims they were constructed in efforts to get Sakaki fired while also lashing out against Vollendorf and his sexual harassment accusers, saying they, “Used me as a way to get out their anger and efforts to get Judy fired.”

On Monday, April 18, Sakaki announced that she is separating from her husband. 

In a statement which was released early Monday and published by The Press Democrat, Sakaki announced, “At this time, I have made the difficult personal decision to separate from Patrick. This past weekend, Patrick sent an inaccurate and unauthorized email to friends and family. The email was sent without my knowledge or consent and does not reflect my viewpoint. I consider the matters between Dr. (Lisa) Vollendorf and me to be resolved.”