HARTFORD, CT — Ryan Fazio, Republican and Independent nominee for Governor, called for Gov. Ned Lamont to take accountability at Connecticut State Colleges and Universities following the most-recent resignation, that of Board of Regents Vice Chair Juanita James, a Lamont appointee who said that a “dysfunctional culture” and “political in-fighting” have become insurmountable obstacles to serving students. James’s departure is the latest in a series of leadership crises that have engulfed the system under Lamont’s watch.
“After a string of departures of senior leadership of the State College and University system, Ned Lamont’s own appointee just told him the system he oversees is dysfunctional and failing the students it exists to serve,” said Fazio. “Ned Lamont has stood and watched his own appointees resign or be removed from their positions in the billion-dollar system for stealing taxpayer dollars, sexual harassment, bullying and more. At some point, the person in charge, the governor, needs to take accountability.”
James’s resignation comes after years of turmoil within CSCU. Former Chancellor Terrence Cheng faced scrutiny over taxpayer-funded spending on meals, transportation, and other expenses. Lamont called him a “friend” and dismissed the scandal in part as “small ball.” His successor, Interim Chancellor O. John Maduko, resigned amid a sexual harassment investigation, and Board of Regents Chair Martin Guay subsequently resigned. An independent review released this month found an “overall failure” by multiple CSCU officials to follow established procedures for reporting and responding to sexual harassment allegations.
CCSU President Zulma Toro resigned amid an investigation into allegations of bullying and intimidation, and the investigation was subsequently closed without findings following her departure. Lamont said he had not spoken to her in months and “wished her well” in retirement. James, who had been tasked with helping lead the search for CSCU’s next permanent chancellor, then resigned herself, warning Lamont that the current environment had created a “no-win situation” for those the system is supposed to serve.
“Connecticut families should be able to trust that our billion-dollar state college system provides a world-class education, treats students and employees with respect, responsibly manages taxpayer dollars, and maintains stable leadership,” said Fazio. “Instead, they have watched taxpayer-funded spending scandals, ignored warnings, failed vetting, leadership departures, and investigation after investigation while Governor Lamont has merely offered excuses.”
“If Ned Lamont still cannot see the pattern, he may be the last person in Connecticut who can’t,” Fazio continued. “As governor, I will demand accountability and make sure the investment students, families, and taxpayers make in our colleges is focused where it belongs: providing an excellent education and creating opportunity for every student in our state.”