Calls for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign have continued with growing allegations of sexual harassment and heavy criticisms over his handling of COVID-19 in New York nursing homes. Through all of these allegations, what has become clear is that Cuomo is not a respectable leader and needs to be removed from power.

Cuomo first faced criticism for his mishandling of the coronavirus in nursing homes. He has been criticized for his inaccurate reporting on the number of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes, while simultaneously forcing nursing homes to take patients who had tested positive for COVID. His actions caused many unnecessary deaths and many individuals to lose their jobs. Cuomo’s nursing home scandal can be considered an obstruction of justice, which is a punishable crime.

Amidst this scandal, at least 10 women have accused Cuomo of sexual assault or harassment over the past few years. The first woman to come forward was Lindsey Boylan, a former aide in Cuomo’s office. She shared that Cuomo had “sexually harassed her for years.” Three days after Boylan reported this issue other women came forward, sharing their own stories of abuse and disrespect. Though Cuomo has apologized for ever making these women uncomfortable, he denied ever touching the accusers inappropriately and refused to resign. However, an apology is simply not enough. His actions are disgusting and should not be condoned.

Many state and federal lawmakers have called for Cuomo’s resignation. Additionally, U.S. President Joe Biden shared that Cuomo should step down from his position if New York Attorney General Letitia James finds these allegations to be true. Let’s be honest, resignation is not an adequate punishment; he should also go to jail. A true leader does not lie to the country to cover up unacceptable actions. In the midst of these crimes, however, Cuomo instead wrote a book, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic, detailing his successes during the pandemic. While writing his book, the New York Post Editorial Board reported that several official aides “assisted Cuomo with drafts of ‘American Crisis’ despite an ethics ruling that cleared the deal only if he didn’t use state resources to write it. That makes it a plain violation of state law.” Many believe that Cuomo forced his staff to help him write this book with his rash and his vicious demeanor. The irony of Cuomo’s position could not be clearer  — while writing American Crisis, Cuomo was lying to the public, committing acts of sexual misconduct and violating state ethics laws.

Clear proof of a singular crime should be enough to kick someone out of office. A man like Cuomo, who has assaulted and harassed women both sexually and verbally, has lied to the country and has engaged in possibly illegal use of public funds, should be put behind bars. His behavior should not be tolerated, as he is supposed to be a leader of our country. Cuomo’s actions and crimes are sickening and embarrassing. Andrew Cuomo is not a true patriot; he is a criminal.