Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) dropped out of several planned public appearances this week as he continues to reject calls for his resignation over a racist photo of him wearing blackface. Northam, who has mostly kept a low profile since the yearbook photo ballooned into a major scandal engulfing several top state lawmakers more than two months ago, will not speak at the May 16 commencement ceremony of his alma mater, the Virginia Military Institute, or any other graduation events this spring, The Roanoke Times reported Monday. “In order to ensure that commencements remain focused on celebrating graduates, their families, and their achievements, the governor has decided he will not participate in any ceremonies this spring,” Northam’s spokeswoman told the newspaper.

Source: Huffington Post April 16, 2019 14:37 UTC