UMES Apologizes After Emcee Comments at Gospel Concert

Somerset County, MD - On November 4, 2026, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) released a statement about comments made during its homecoming gospel concert.

According to the university, the comments were made on Sunday, November 1, 2026, by a UMES graduate student. The student was serving as a student emcee for the concert, which was part of the school's 2026 homecoming events.

UMES said the comments may be perceived as derogatory to the LGBTQIA+ community. The university did not say what the student said, and it did not release the student's name.

"UMES does not condone hate speech of any kind," the university said in its statement.

The school apologized to the concert's featured performers, Tye Tribbett, B. Slade, and Preston Jonzell. It also apologized to everyone who attended the event.

"Respect and inclusivity are important values to the UMES community," the statement said.

UMES said it is looking into what happened. "The situation is being reviewed, and the University will take appropriate actions," the statement read. The university did not say what those actions might be or when a decision will be made.

Students who were affected by Sunday's events can reach out to University Counseling Services. Counselors can be reached daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 410-651-6449. Students who need help after hours can call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 410-651-HELP.