December 13, 2022 - Reflections on Yesterday’s Open Forum

Dear Campus Community,

It was heartbreaking yesterday to hear courageous stories of students, faculty, and staff who have felt alone, fearful, or unheard for the past two years. I want to express my sincere apologies that we did not do more. I’m sorry to the survivors of sexual misconduct and violent threats who have been forced to process this recent news. I’m sorry the workplace safety issues and threats continued even after the initial discipline of Dr. David Stachura.

Nearly 900 people attended yesterday’s forum. To those who spoke, thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts. As difficult as the feedback was to hear, it was an extremely important discussion that we needed to have as a community and one that will help to inform changes to policies and practices moving ahead. We are resolved to do better.

The details and sentiments shared were painful and emotions were raw. I have heard you. For those who did not have an opportunity to speak, we want your feedback. For anyone experiencing emotional distress, you can contact EAP, WellCat Counseling, or Safe Place. To report misconduct, contact Equal Opportunity and Dispute (the Title IX office).

Improvements are needed to University processes. I invite you to join me in identifying effective steps that will improve practices, communication, and the work environment. Here are the immediate actions we will take:

• Dean David Hassenzahl is reaching out to biology students, staff, and faculty who shared their stories yesterday. He will answer questions and direct people to emotional, academic, and professional support as needed or requested. To the several students who indicated they are afraid to take classes taught by Dr. Stachura next semester, you have my guarantee that he will not teach classes at Chico State in the spring.
• Dr. Stachura has surrendered his keys and card swipe access into Holt Hall. He also has been restricted from accessing our IT systems and no longer has access to students’ and employees’ physical addresses and phone numbers. Additionally, after the open forum, the Biological Sciences Department has identified an alternate professor to grade his fall classes.
• New-to-us information was uncovered during the open forum. And, we will follow up and investigate threats to employees and students. This is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. If you have additional information on this situation or any other that pertains to yourself or a colleague, consider filing a complaint with the Equal Opportunity and Dispute Resolution at 530-898-4949. You can also directly email EODR at titleix@csuchico.edu

I know this past week has been deeply disturbing and unsettling to our students, faculty, and staff. And again, I thank everyone who has shared their feedback and their personal experiences on this campus.

I would like to invite you to join me as we turn our attention to addressing how we can work together to rebuild trust and address campus safety, sexual misconduct, and transparency.

Sincerely,

Gayle E. Hutchinson