A forthcoming report by the California State Auditor, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, reveals a distressing failure on the part of the California State University (CSU) system in addressing sexual harassment complaints. While the official audit is yet to be released, a draft obtained by the Times highlights significant shortcomings within the 23-campus system.
According to the audit draft, which remains confidential, an alarming 80% of over 1,200 reported cases of sexual harassment against CSU employees were not formally investigated. It further discloses that the chancellor’s office, responsible for overseeing the campuses, lacked accurate information on complaints and failed to track repeat offenders.
During the period between 2018 and 2022, auditors uncovered over 1,200 sexual harassment reports filed against CSU employees. Troublingly, the draft identifies at least 150 employees who repeatedly violated CSU policy, accounting for 30% of all reported incidents. However, due to inadequate data collection, the identification and tracking of repeat offenders were severely hampered.
Prompted by numerous accounts of insufficient responses to Cal State sexual harassment complaints from faculty, administrators, and students, the Legislature initiated the audit last summer. One report cited former Chancellor Joseph I. Castro, previously president of Fresno State, for neglecting to take disciplinary action against an administrator accused of sexual harassment multiple times. Castro resigned in February 2022.
While awaiting the official release of the CSU sexual harassment audit, the findings so far paint a troubling picture of negligence within the university system.
If you are an employee facing labor law violations, including sexual harassment or other unfair practices, don’t suffer in silence. Take action to protect your rights. Labor Law Advocates can provide the necessary legal assistance. Stand up against injustice and seek justice today.
