Through CFA Advocacy, State Auditor to Investigate CSU Over Handling of Sexual Violence Allegations

A new path forward takes shape in holding the CSU accountable for its continual mishandling of management sexual violence allegations after faculty advocated for an independent legislative investigation.

Members of the legislature’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) on Monday approved a state audit into sexual violence issues at the CSU system and three campuses. The three campuses are Fresno State, San Jose State, and Sonoma State.

According to The Sacramento Bee, the state audit will “review the system-wide Title IX office, its mission and efforts to coordinate and provide consistency and oversight to the CSU’s response to sexual harassment allegations, and compliance with federal regulations and best practices.”

The state auditor will also review the CSU’s process for handling Title IX complaints and investigations and review the practice of agreeing to golden parachute handshake deals for former administrators.

In an interview with FOX26 News, Assemblymember Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) said, “The California State University system has appeared to be very, very slow in recognizing the sexual harassment complaints that they have created. It appears to so many of us to be a system that protects themselves.” 

CFA began its advocacy for an independent investigation of the CSU after USA Today’s investigation into former chancellor Joseph Castro’s mishandling of sexual harassment complaints while he was president at Fresno State. A month later, Castro resigned, and CSU Trustees engaged an outside company that specializes in risk management and liability deferment to perform a review of CSU practices and process.

The JLAC audit will take place after the CSU’s contracted-out investigation concludes.

“CFA member leaders applaud JLAC committee members for approving this new audit and look forward to reading the state auditor’s report once complete,” said Diane Blair, CFA Secretary.