Sen. Slap, Rep. Haddad, Committee Members Release Statement In Response to CSCU Report On Misconduct
“The details about the conduct of former Chancellor Maduko are alarming and repugnant. Nobody should have to work under those conditions, and we commend the victims for coming forward to share what they experienced. What disturbs us further is the institutional response – or lack thereof – from those responsible for keeping students, staff and faculty safe. It takes great bravery to come forward and report sexual harassment and it is unacceptable that these women were failed so significantly by leadership.
This is indicative of systemic failure to protect staff and culpability extends past the former Chancellor. If, as indicated, the Board of Regents Chair and Vice Chair were aware of prior complaints and moved forward with his appointment, that is deeply troubling.
We know the current chancellor and Board of Regents Chair take this seriously and are committed to making changes. Fresh leadership is the appropriate start, but there must be a significant change in workplace culture, better safeguards and training and an end to the abuse of power, resources and taxpayer dollars.
The Higher Education Committee passed legislation increasing accountability and transparency for the entire system and we stand ready to continue that work in January. This is another data point that indicates the system has not been working as intended and we are prepared to consider all options moving forward.
Lastly, we want to make it clear that the misdeeds of leadership are no reflection of the students, faculty and staff at our great colleges and universities.”
Co-Chairs State Senator Derek Slap and State Representative Gregg Haddad
Vice Chairs State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wicox and State Representative Kara Rochelle
State Senator Christine Cohen
State Senator James Maroney
State Representative Mary Fortier
State Representative Kate Farrar
State Representative Corey Paris
State Representative Eilish Collins Main
State Representative Laurie Sweet
State Representative David DeFronzo