December 9, 2022 - An Update of Campus Safety Concerns

Dear Campus Community,

I know many of you have read the article published yesterday in EdSource and the Chico Enterprise-Record. While the reporting relates to incidents in 2020 and 2021, I understand that it is new information for you, and I want to acknowledge that many are alarmed and distressed by what was reported. I have heard from faculty, staff, and students, and I want you to know that I have taken further taken steps—including placing the employee on immediate leave—so we can finish the semester without further disruptions.

That said, I want to address the most important issue, which is our unwavering commitment to campus safety for Chico State students and employees. The employee featured in the article never would have been allowed to return to campus if the University believed he posed a danger to our campus community.

The article did not include several important facts about our assessment process. First, the external threat assessment conducted by the independent agency in September 2021 did not reach a definitive conclusion nor make a recommendation to the University. For this reason, the University conducted additional interviews with employees, our internal Campus Violence Consultation Team reviewed all the factors, and the University Police Department attended court proceedings related to the temporary restraining order against the employee.

Only after all these evaluations and numerous conversations with the employee was he allowed to return to campus. In the year-plus that he has been back, no further safety issues have arisen, and the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences has conducted oversight of the department to support its working environment.

I also want to address why information about this matter was not shared more broadly in 2021. Employee personnel matters, including alleged violations of Title IX and risk assessments, are treated confidentially. Not only does this help ensure that the employee receives the unbiased process to which they are legally entitled, but it helps protect the privacy and rights of employees and students who file complaints, serve as witnesses, or seek services and other support from the University in these matters. Although the article has put much of this case into the public domain, we will continue to treat these and future personnel matters confidentially, as that is what the law requires.

I want to reiterate that the safety of our learning and working environment for students and employees is always our top priority. In today’s world, I know even the idea of potential violence on our campus is distressing.

For students who are in need of counseling services, WellCat Counseling will offer drop-in spaces today for group and individual sessions until 5 p.m. and every day next week from 9–11 a.m. and 1–4 p.m. If you encounter students who wish to speak with someone, please remind them of these services.

For employees, please reach out to campus resources such as the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-367-7474 or www.mylifematters.com for 24/7 counseling and other services. Password: csuchico.

Finally, we will hold a campuswide open forum via Zoom on Monday, December 12, at 3 p.m. for all employees and students to share their thoughts and discuss their concerns. More information about Monday’s forum is forthcoming.

Sincerely,

Gayle E. Hutchinson
President