A recent audit of California State University (CSU) campuses has raised significant concerns regarding the handling of sexual harassment cases and the policies surrounding executive retreat rights. The findings reveal that while no executives or management personnel were found to have retreated to faculty positions after being accused of sexual harassment, the existing policies allow for troubling loopholes.

From 2016 to 2022, 121 executive and management positions had retreat rights, with two individuals accused of sexual harassment. One case was sustained, yet the individual left under a settlement agreement rather than facing disciplinary action. The second case was not investigated due to the complainant's decision not to pursue the matter. This highlights a critical gap in CSU's policy, which permits employees with findings of sexual harassment to retain retreat rights unless they were terminated or separated.

The audit recommends that the Chancellor's Office revise its policy to prevent individuals found to have engaged in sexual harassment from accessing retreat rights. Additionally, the report calls for changes to the policy that allows employees with such findings to receive positive letters of recommendation for future employment, as long as they were not terminated.

Another key issue identified is the inconsistency in how campuses track and report sexual harassment data. The audit found that campuses vary significantly in their data collection practices, leading to unreliable reporting. For instance, some campuses count multiple complaints as a single report, while others treat each complaint separately. This inconsistency hampers the ability to accurately assess the prevalence and handling of sexual harassment cases across the system.

To improve accountability and transparency, the audit suggests that the Chancellor's Office establish clear guidelines for data collection and reporting. By doing so, CSU can enhance the quality of its sexual harassment program and ensure that all campuses adhere to uniform standards.

These findings underscore the need for CSU to take a more proactive approach in addressing sexual harassment and protecting the integrity of its academic environment. As the community looks for assurance that their educational institutions prioritize safety and accountability, these recommendations could lead to meaningful changes in policy and practice.