Why did Chancellor Joseph Castro resign?
Dr. Joseph I. Castro stated that he was honored to serve the California State University for more than eight years. He chose to resign so that the CSU can maintain its focus squarely on its educational mission and the impactful work yet to be done. Read the full statement.
Will Dr. Castro have retreat rights at any CSU campus?
In connection with his appointment to the position of Chancellor of the California State University, Dr. Castro was informed that he will hold a joint appointment with rank of full professor with tenure. In October 2020, Dr. Castro was informed that his retreat rights at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo had been approved.
Dr. Castro has not yet notified Cal Poly San Luis Obispo whether he intends to exercise his retreat rights.
Who will immediately replace Dr. Castro?
Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, Steve Relyea, will serve as acting chancellor until an interim chancellor is named.
When will the Board of Trustees begin a search for the ninth chancellor of the CSU?
The Board of Trustees is developing a succession plan to replace Dr. Castro. When the Trustees have updates, they will provide them to the CSU community in a timely manner.
When will a new chancellor be announced?
A succession plan to replace Dr. Castro, including identifying the timeline to name an interim chancellor and launch a national search for the ninth chancellor of the CSU, is being discussed and reviewed by the Board of Trustees.
When the Trustees have updates, they will provide them to the CSU community in a timely manner.
Systemwide Title IX Assessment
Why are the Trustees launching an assessment?
The Trustees pledged to strengthen the CSU institutional culture. The most important use of time and resources is to assess current practices and provide insights, recommendations, and resources to advance CSU's Title IX and civil rights training, awareness, prevention, intervention, compliance, and support systems.
At the upcoming Board of Trustees open meeting on March 22-23, the Trustees intend to call for a vote to engage Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie Gomez, the chair and vice chair of Cozen O'Connor's Institutional Response Group, to conduct a comprehensive systemwide assessment.
CSU Board of Trustees
Prior to his appointment as Chancellor, did the Board of Trustees know about the concerns regarding Dr. Castro's response to allegations involving Frank Lamas?
No. The Board of Trustees first learned of the concerns in early February 2022. The Board immediately began reviewing the matter. On February 7, 2022, the Board gave notice of a closed session to be held on February 17. On February 17, 2022, Chancellor Castro resigned.
When did the Board of Trustees learn about the Fresno State University settlement with Dr. Lamas?
The Board of Trustees was not informed about the Fresno State University settlement with Dr. Lamas until early February 2022.
Why did the Board of Trustees not know about Fresno State University's settlement with Dr. Lamas in August 2020 when the settlement agreement was signed?
The Standing Orders of the Board of Trustees of the California State University delegate to the Chancellor, the chief executive officer of the California State University, the authority and responsibility to resolve claims and settle litigation. Chancellor Timothy P. White authorized the settlement within his delegated authority.
When did the Board of Trustees first learn about Dr. Castro's letter of recommendation in support of Dr. Lamas?
The Board of Trustees was informed about Dr. Castro's letter of recommendation in support of Dr. Lamas in early February 2022.
Reports, concerns or questions about Dr. Lamas's conduct while he was employed at Fresno State, or about any other member of the Fresno State community should be directed to jphogan@csufresno.edu. Reports, concerns or questions about sexual harassment or other sexual discrimination should be directed to a campus Title IX Coordinator or the Office of Systemwide Title IX Compliance.
Contact information is accessible here https://www.calstate.edu/titleix, and here: https://csyou.calstate.edu/Divisions-Orgs/title-ix/Pages/default.aspx (CSU campus credentials required)