Sonoma State University Statement On Media Coverage Of A Personnel Matter

Press release from Sonoma State University:

April 14, 2022

During her three-year tenure as our Provost, Dr. Vollendorf championed student, faculty, and staff success at Sonoma State University. Dr. Vollendorf also served the CSU through a special assignment in the CSU Chancellor's Office from June 2020 to June 2021. Out of respect for Dr. Vollendorf's privacy, the University will not comment on the particular circumstances of Dr. Vollendorf's departure. We do, however, offer the following context.

The media reported that Dr. Vollendorf believes she experienced retaliation due to her reporting Title IX complaints about President Sakaki's spouse. These claims are without basis. CSU policy and federal and state law, as well as good judgment and common sense, prohibit retaliation against anyone bringing forward or participating in a complaint or complaint process. President Sakaki has devoted the last 40 years to championing equity and justice in higher education, and the CSU and President Sakaki deny that any retaliation occurred. The CSU entered into a settlement with Dr. Vollendorf so that campus leaders could devote their energy, resources, and efforts on what matters most, serving students and leading Sonoma State through and beyond the pandemic. The University has liability insurance coverage which is used to pay these kinds of legal settlements.

The complaints about President Sakaki's spouse were addressed in April 2019, and no similar complaints have been reported to the Chancellor's Office or Sonoma States' Title IX Office since that time. CSU policy does not limit the time for making complaints, and if any individuals now wish to participate in a formal investigation of these complaints, they are encouraged to discuss their concerns and options with CSU Title IX professional staff identified below. Alternatively, any member of the university community may meet with a confidential victim's advocate to discuss their rights and options.

Sonoma State University and President Sakaki will never stop working to make our campus a safe, supportive, respectful, and fair working and learning environment for all. There are many processes in place to support individuals who wish to report any concerns. Anyone wishing to come forward with a concern or complaint or to learn about university complaint and resolution processes, including rights and options, is encouraged to contact the following campus or Chancellor's Office resources.

This press release was produced by Sonoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.