Former WSU employee tells regents university response to complaints felt punitive

Nathan, a former Washington State University employee, told the Board of Regents on Feb. 6, 2025, that after reporting possible misconduct and seeking mediation through campus offices his access to university systems was cut off and he resigned two days later.

The comment came during the meeting’s public comment period. Nathan said he had worked for the university for a decade, including more than five years in his most recent office, and that supervisors had directed him to consult the Board of Regents’ policies (BPPM) and Human Resource Services (HRS) when he raised concerns.

“I was directed by them to additional offices, including compliance and civil rights in the office of the university ombuds,” Nathan said. He told the regents he offered mediation; the following day his access to university systems was removed. He said he resigned effective Sept. 9 after being unable to perform duties and that promised recommendations from supervisors ceased after his departure.

Nathan described subsequent hiring processes in which he said employers reached the final stage but then did not complete reference checks or otherwise did not hire him, which he attributed to actions by his former office. He said the university denies the measures were punitive but that the outcomes “look and feel punitive” to him and have harmed his ability to find work.

Nathan asked the regents for assurances that other employees who raise concerns will have those concerns taken seriously and investigated. He provided a contact phone number for follow-up.

The board did not debate public comments during the meeting; Chair Lisa K. Schauer told the public that the board will take submitted comments under consideration but will not discuss them during the meeting.