Katehi’s ‘apparent misstatements’ led to UC action

UC workers union questions ‘paid 90-day vacation’

By Mike Luery

OAKLAND, Calif. (KCRA) —An outside investigator was hired by the University of California System to look into UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi’s alleged misconduct — and the perception that she violated the trust of UC President Janet Napolitano.

“The president was concerned about apparent misstatements that the chancellor made publicly and to her personally,” UC spokesperson Dianne Klein said.

Katehi was placed on “placed on investigatory administrative leave,” an announcement that was made Wednesday night by the Napolitano’s office.

The allegations against Katehi include providing favors for her own family and were spelled out in a letter from Napolitano to Katehi:

“Your daughter in law, who directly reports to one of your direct reports, has received promotions and salary increases over a two and a half year period that have increased her pay by over $50,000 and have resulted in several title changes.”

Napolitano’s letter goes on to say, “More recently, it appears not only that the academic program in which your son holds a paid research position was moved into the same department in which your daughter-in-law is employed, but also that the program was placed under her direct supervision.”

Katehi has been placed on paid administrative leave for 90 days. In Oakland, the union representing UC workers, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), said Katehi is getting off too easy.

“If one of our 23,000 members faced the allegations that Chancellor Katehi is facing, there wouldn’t be any 90-day vacation going on — 90-day paid vacation,” AFSCME spokesperson Todd Stenhouse said. “It would be immediate termination.”

When Klein was asked why Katehi was not fired, she responded:

“We at the University of California have policies. And if somebody — whether that is a chancellor or an employee — is entitled to an investigation to determine if these violations are true. We believe in fairness.”

Stenhouse said UC’s problems are bigger than just Katehi and are system wide.

“I think you’ve got to do a top to bottom review,” he said.

“Sunshine is the best disinfectant,” Stenhouse added. “It always is in these types of situations. So it’s time for UC to take a step back, a humble look in the mirror and say, ‘This is what our policy is. We are going to hold every employee to this standard.’”?

As for Katehi’s ultimate fate, Klein said, “If there is the perception that trust has been broken, that’s a problem. And so, I believe the president feels this merits review.”

While Katehi is under investigation, UC Davis Provost Ralph Hexter will fill in as chancellor.

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[Source]: KCRA 3