CSU Chancellor pledges cultural change to combat discrimination

In a recent government meeting, California State University (CSU) Chancellor Mildred Garcia addressed ongoing challenges related to discrimination, harassment, and Title IX compliance within the university system. Acknowledging past shortcomings, Garcia expressed a commitment to cultural change and improvement in the university environment, emphasizing the need for a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all students, faculty, and staff.

Garcia highlighted the CSU's response to comprehensive reports from the California State Auditor and law firm Cozen O'Connor, which provided detailed recommendations for enhancing civil rights programs. Since her appointment ten months ago, Garcia has prioritized implementing these recommendations, directing $15.9 million towards bolstering Title IX practices this academic year. She reported that the CSU has made significant progress, with ten out of twelve recommendations from the auditor fully implemented, while two are partially complete, pending further evaluation.

The Chancellor outlined the establishment of a new Office for Civil Rights Programming and Services, which aims to centralize oversight and support for Title IX and discrimination-related issues across CSU's 23 campuses. This includes the addition of five new director positions and civil rights attorneys to enhance support and ensure compliance with updated policies.

Garcia emphasized the importance of ongoing training, awareness campaigns, and a culture of care to prevent discrimination and harassment. She reiterated the CSU's commitment to not only meet but exceed the auditor's recommendations, focusing on creating a reliable and supportive system for addressing concerns.

As the CSU moves forward, Garcia acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, there remains much work to be done to ensure accountability and foster an environment where all individuals can thrive free from harassment and discrimination.