The Joint Legislative Audit Committee and Assembly Education and Senate Education held a meeting on August 31, 2023, to address ongoing concerns regarding the management and oversight of California's higher education system. The meeting focused on the accountability of the Chancellor's office and the handling of significant issues, particularly those related to sexual harassment.

One of the key discussions highlighted a lack of prioritization in addressing findings from audits dating back to 2014. Concerns were raised about the Chancellor's office's commitment to resolving these issues, with some members expressing skepticism about the timeline for necessary reforms. The sentiment was that the office has not effectively managed its responsibilities, leading to a failure in addressing critical problems.

A specific case was brought to attention involving the former president of Fresno State University, who was promoted to Chancellor despite previous mismanagement related to sexual harassment cases. This situation underscored the perceived inadequacies in oversight and accountability within the Chancellor's office.

The meeting concluded with a call for more decisive action and transparency from the Chancellor's office to ensure that such failures do not continue. The committee emphasized the need for a clear plan to address these longstanding issues and improve the overall governance of California's higher education institutions.