CSU faces state audit over sexual harassment

State lawmakers ordered an independent investigation Monday of how sexual harassment and retaliation complaints are handled by California State University, which has been shaken by scandals that have sparked public outcry and led to the resignations of top system officials.

The investigation will be conducted by the state auditor and focus on the chancellor's office and three campuses, but the review could expand depending on what is uncovered.

In requesting the audit, members of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee cited Los Angeles Times investigations that uncovered inconsistencies in how sexual harassment and workforce retaliation complaints are investigated across the 23-campus system and detailed millions of dollars in payouts to top executives, some of whom resigned amid sexual harassment controversies.

The audit comes as the nation's largest four-year public university system struggles with how it handles complaints under Title IX, a law that protects people against gender discrimination and sexual harassment at educational institutions that receive federal funding.

Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester acknowledged last week that the CSU has “fallen short in our effort to ensure that our campuses are safe and welcoming environments ... free of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct.”

Koester noted in her systemwide message, sent on the 50th anniversary of Title IX, that Cal State had hired a private law firm to conduct a Title IX review. But state lawmakers said that an independent investigation was needed to ensure that conclusions are free of potential bias and conflicts.

“The system protects itself,” said Assemblymember Jim Patterson, RFresno. “I am much more (trusting) of the independent auditing processes and individuals at the California State Auditor's office than I am of a law firm that has had a history of relationships with the CSU and the chancellor's office.”