‘You deserved better.’ Fresno State president issues letter in wake of Castro resignation
In the wake of the resignation of California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro, Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval on Friday sent a letter to the campus community, apologizing to those who have been subjected to harassment, bullying and abuse and making a commitment to create a safe and respectful environment.
“I want you to know that I hear you and I am so sorry,” Jiménez-Sandoval wrote. “You deserved better, and my commitment is to support you and our community to ensure we build the type of institution that collectively succeeds in creating a safe and respectful environment where we all can thrive …”
Castro resigned as chancellor Thursday night amid a storm of condemnation and calls for independent investigation into how he handled sexual harassment allegations while president at Fresno State. A spokesman for the CSU on Friday wouldn’t disclose details of Castro’s resignation terms, saying the settlement agreement hadn’t been finalized.
Frank Lamas responds
The sexual harassment allegations are centered around former vice president of student affairs Frank Lamas. On Friday, Lamas reiterated comments made to The Bee last week when asked for comment on Castro and his resignation.
“My statements that I have shared in the appeal are basically all I want to say,” he said. “I don’t really want to make any more comments about the situation. My statements stand for themselves. As far as the resignation, I did see it, and I wish Chancellor Castro and his family the very best, as I do Fresno State.
“I don’t really have much more to say than that. Obviously, if you’ve read my statements and appeal and everything else you’ll note that I’m in total disagreement with the things that have been said and I still contend that I didn’t have a fair and balanced investigation.”
In picking up the pieces, Jiménez-Sandoval said the university would partner with the CSU Board of Trustees, which will conduct a system-wide assessment of Title IX, starting at Fresno State. The university also is in the process of creating a Title IX task force to guide appropriate actions.
Fresno State president: ‘Heal ourselves’
“To our entire community, I want to acknowledge the pain that we’ve collectively suffered from these actions, as well as these recent revelations,” Jiménez-Sandoval said, in his statement. “There are real and valid feelings of betrayal, mistrust and anger. I realize that our path toward the future includes making significant, meaningful institutional and systemic changes. As one of our colleagues in Student Affairs affirmed, ‘We will heal ourselves, and we will all actively participate in building the workplace we deserve, for ourselves.’ These words offer hope for a better future.
“We are already taking positive steps — we’re listening and learning from each other. We’re also in the process of creating a Title IX task force, whose charge will help to guide appropriate actions. Details of this effort, and other initiatives, will be shared shortly. The CSU Board of Trustees also announced its own comprehensive system-wide assessment of Title IX, starting at Fresno State. We are committed to actively partnering in this work while also continuing to take proactive steps as a University community to bring about cultural and institutional change.
“Words alone will not heal these wounds. My intention is that my words serve as a clear commitment to you and that our actions become the bedrock for a renewal of trust for our campus community. As we work collectively to make this happen, I pledge to be a dedicated and responsive leader who will prioritize your voices to achieve a shared campus vision.”
This story was originally published February 18, 2022 at 2:13 PM.