Sonoma State president announces separation from husband amid sexual harassment claims [The Press Democrat]
Apr. 18—Sonoma State President
The announcement comes less than a week after The Press Democrat first reported revelations that the
Sakaki's announcement also comes after a tumultuous weekend during which McCallum, in a rambling email to "friends and family," claimed Vollendorf exposed the sexual harassment allegations, which were never substantiated, to cover for her own poor job performance.
On Monday,
By Monday afternoon,
"The reports are a significant distraction for the university at a critical time, and raise serious questions about her leadership and (judgment)," said Dodd, whose district encompasses the university, which is based in
"It is concerning and deserves close scrutiny by the CSU chancellor and board of trustees as to how the interests of students and employees can be best served going forward."
Dodd spokesman
Sakaki, through a spokesman, declined to comment on Monday's statement, which asked for her privacy to be respected.
"These past few days have been extremely difficult. I am now faced with a challenge that I never thought I would need to confront: disavowing the words and actions of my husband,
"At this time, I have made the difficult personal decision to separate from Patrick. This past weekend, Patrick sent an inaccurate and unauthorized email to friends and family. The email was sent without my knowledge or consent and does not reflect my viewpoint. I consider the matters between Dr. (Lisa)
McCallum's email and statement over the weekend was his first detailed public response since the allegations were reported by The Press Democrat last week, though he did issue a terse apology to anyone he may have offended.
On Monday, McCallum did not respond to a request for an interview but did issue another statement by text regarding his wife's announcement.
"I continue to stand by the veracity of my statements and hope with all my heart that my marriage can survive the stress that this unfounded controversy has placed on it," he wrote.
The
Two of the women who complained spoke to The Press Democrat. One said McCallum had acted "creepy" and made her feel uncomfortable. Another said she took steps not to be alone with McCallum at social events.
Vollendorf's report, and the ensuing CSU investigation, triggered retaliation from Sakaki, according to the claim Vollendorf filed in
Sakaki has denied accusations of retaliation. In a statement last week, she said she was "surprised and saddened" when she heard of the allegations against her husband.
In Monday's statement, Sakaki said she continues to be focused on her work and is thankful for the support she is receiving.
"My focus is on leading
Morimoto, the
"Most people see it as sort of a desperation move," she said. "It doesn't really deal with the things that people are upset about, which is the retaliation and the Title IX issues."
For his part, McCallum said he will focus on his work with retired appellate court Justice
"I am going back to my job of getting wildfire victims fully compensated," McCallum said Monday in a text message. "
McCallum and Sakaki lost their home in the 2017 Tubbs fire, narrowly outracing the flames as they ran for their lives. In a statement Sunday night, McCallum blamed part of his troubles on unresolved post-traumatic stress from that episode.
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Sonoma State president announces separation from husband amid sexual harassment claims [The Press Democrat]
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