Assemblyman Criticizes Rutgers For Six-Figure Payouts

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — An Ocean County assemblyman introduced a resolution this week chastising Rutgers University for six-figure payouts to former employees. Most recently the publicly-funded institution agreed to pay $480,000 to Debasish Dutta for a year-long sabbatical after his sudden resignation as chancellor.

“In the last decade, Rutgers has paid out more than $11.5 million to a handful of high-earners to walk away,” said Ron Dancer (R-Ocean). “They are playing fast and loose with students' and the public’s money.”

“At a time of escalating college costs and out-of-control student debt, this reckless mismanagement cannot be tolerated,” Dancer continued. “It is an abuse of public funds, taxpayer dollars and tuition-paying students.”

Dutta quit his job as chancellor of the East Brunswick campus last month after serving in the role for only one year. Though not contractually obligated, Rutgers agreed to pay his $480,000 chancellor salary for a yearlong sabbatical.

“This move leaves you scratching your head,” Dancer said. “It makes you wonder if President Barchi’s administration doesn’t value money because so much of the university budget comes from the state.”

Dancer’s bill (AR185) cites recent Rutgers payouts including $3 million between two former athletic directors, $1.4 million for a terminated football coach, and more than $1.2 million to a pair of failed basketball coaches.

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