Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, front, followed by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., walk from the House Chamber following a Senate procession carrying boxes holding Electoral College votes to the House Chamber for a joint session to confirm the Electoral College votes, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Several alumni petitions denounced Texas Sen. Ted Cruz ’92’s objection to the certification of electoral votes for Arizona and Pennsylvania, which his critics believe emboldened insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol Jan. 6. 

When contacted by PAW for this article, Cruz’s spokesperson referred to a comment previously given to The Daily Princetonian about the petitions, which said: “To suggest that Sen. Cruz’s actions were unconstitutional is disappointing and dishonest, at a time when this country needs to come together and heal.”

On Jan. 7, Elise Harris ’92 began a petition for classmates to condemn Cruz’s actions, and as of Jan. 19, 578 had signed on — more than half of living classmates. Harris pointed out that her petition avoids suggesting remedies. 

A petition for all alumni with more than 1,100 signatories, created by Alexandra Lebenthal ’86 on Jan. 11, called for Cruz to resign, denouncing his actions to be “contrary to the spirit and aspirations of Princetonians and Princeton University to make positive contributions to society.” 

Joshua Faires ’20’s petition for Princeton students, alumni, faculty, and staff drew more than 1,400 signatures and also called for condemnation but suggested measures such as Cruz’s resignation, his recusal from pursuing further public office, and for Princeton to consider rescinding his degree.