Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the full text of the letter from Zach Kowash. Kowash has declined to comment further.

In a resignation letter addressed to the Associated Students of Oregon State University and university administration, ASOSU Vice President Zach Kowash announced their immediate departure from the executive office of student government.

In the letter, in full below this story, Kowash addresses a deeply toxic work environment and a loss of faith in the student government’s ability to enact meaningful change.

“I can’t take it anymore. No matter what I’ve done to make ASOSU a better place to work, no matter what I try to do to hopefully make it a little better, it’s never enough, and I’m tired of hitting my head against the brick wall that is ASOSU,” Kowash said in the email.

The letter details the current picture of ASOSU’s internal culture, describing it as an organization filled with “the cruelest people I’ve met in my life.” Kowash went on to say that his tenure in student government has fundamentally changed his outlook, eroding his belief in the ability of people—particularly his generation—to address pressing issues facing our time or curb the “nastiness” around us in the world.

Kowash cited severe mental health struggles as playing a key role in his decision to resign, stating, “I can’t keep subjecting myself to the abhorrent behavior that pervades ASOSU so that I can preserve what little hope I have left in us. My mental health has suffered to a worrying degree. I cannot, in good conscience, remain in ASOSU and let myself continue to be eaten away.” Kowash described the personal toll of the role on his life, noting that he had sacrificed class time, assignments, and social commitments for a position which ultimately proved to be “downright terrible.”

The letter of resignation contained explicit frustrations surrounding the culture being fostered in the ASOSU, warning members not to distort his words for political gain. “Those of you that will inevitably do this are the problem. Be better,” Kowash said.

Despite the scathing tone of the letter, Kowash also sought to ensure a smooth transition of power, recommending Senator Camryn Lau or SFC Member Connor Chen as his successor. “In accordance with Article II, Section B.b of the Constitution, I recommend Senator Camryn Lau or SFC Member Connor Chen as my successor. Both have shown an amazing ability to calmly and firmly lead, and I believe would make an impeccable Vice President,” Kowash said.

Kowash further noted that he would not be attending the upcoming ASOSU trip to Washington, D.C., citing ethical concerns about participation in a trip funded by student dollars without undergoing the standard selection process himself.

Ending the letter, Kowash made a final plea to those reading, “At the end of the day, all that we have on this earth is each other. Don’t let anyone ever take away your ability to be kind to someone else.”

ASOSU has not yet released an official statement in response to the resignation of their Vice President. This is a developing story, more updates to follow as ASOSU responds to the resignation and considers next steps in leadership transition.

Letter in full:

“Hello all,