Outrage as disgraced California college prez accused of harassing female staff may get cushy new role while keeping $655K salary
Despite a $12 million legal payout tied to explosive workplace misconduct claims, outgoing Cal State San Bernardino President Tomas Morales is poised for a cushy landing.Morales remains in “good standing,” making him eligible for a lucrative executive transition package that would keep him on the university payroll before his potential return to a faculty position.On Wednesday, the California State University Board of Trustees is expected to consider awarding him the honorary title of president emeritus.The university has not revealed what Morales’ new job will be, saying only that his position and salary will be announced during Wednesday’s meeting.Morales collected $655,626 in salary and benefits in 2024, according to Transparent California.The proposed sendoff comes after the California State University system agreed to pay $12 million to settle claims brought by former administrators Clare Weber and Anissa Rogers, who accused Morales and former Palm Desert campus dean Jake Zhu of fostering a workplace plagued by sexism, retaliation and bullying.The university denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.Faculty leaders, whistleblowers and the two women behind the lawsuit have all condemned the decision, arguing Morales should not be rewarded after what they described as a “cesspool of gender harassment and discrimination” in their filing.“The lawsuit raises serious questions about whether President Morales should be regarded in good standing for those benefits,” Thomas Corrigan, communications coordinator for the Cal State San Bernardino chapter of the California Faculty Association told LAist.“Dr.Rogers’ and Dr.
Weber’s case really stands out as a moral outrage with exceptional financial, reputational and human costs.”The faculty union had already urged the CSU system in 2024 to deny Morales certain retirement-related benefits.“We just feel that under his leadership, he has not been an effective leader, therefore, should not ultima...