Legislators moving forward with audit of Califorina State University system
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A group of bipartisan state legislators is moving forward with an audit of the CSU system following millions in sexual harassment settlements and allegations of mishandled complaints.
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved the independent audit during its hearing Monday.
It comes after the resignation of CSU chancellor and Former Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro, and reports of mishandled sexual harassment claims against the former vice president of student affairs, Frank Lamas, during Castro's time at Fresno State.
Back in May, Action News learned the CSU system had agreed to pay more than $4 million in sexual harassment settlements.
RELATED: CSU Chancellor Dr. Joseph Castro resigns amid criticism over handling of harassment at Fresno St.
The audit will investigate the Office of the Chancellor, Fresno State, San Jose State and Sonoma State.
Valley Assemlymember Jim Patterson co-authored the request.
"My hope is that the audit and their own internal investigation will so shake up the institution that at the chancellor's office they will recognize, this process is terribly flawed," he said.
Patterson has been a vocal critic of the $260,000 settlement Frank Lamas got when he left the Fresno State.
The audit will review the CSU sexual harassment policies and practices while comparing how each campus reacted.
RELATED: Fresno State paid top administrator to leave after sexual harassment confirmed
The investigation would begin upon completion of the CSU internal investigation or within four months from now, whichever comes first.
